Cold Weather Operation - Cessna 172R Operating Handbook

SECTION 4
NORMAL PROCEDURES

COLD WEATHER OPERATION

consideration
Special
airplane fuel system during the winter season
cold temperatures. Proper preflight draining of the fuel
especially important and will eliminate any free water accumulation.
use of additives such as isopropyl alcohol or
The
monomethyl ether may also be desirable. Refer to Section 8 for
information on the proper
Cold weather often
during airplane operations. Even
or snow must be
assure satisfactory flight performance and handling.
surfaces to
Also, control surfaces must be free of any internal accumulations of
ice or snow.
If snow or
made for takeoff distances which will be increasingly extended as
the snow or slush depth increases. The depth
cover can,
jthis
WHEN PULLING THE PROPELLER THROUGH BY
HAND, TREAT IT AS IF THE IGNITION SWITCH IS
TURNED ON. A LOOSE OR BROKEN GROUND
WIRE ON EITHER MAGNETO COULD CAUSE
THE ENGINE TO FIRE.
Prior to starting on cold mornings, it is advisable to pull the
propeller through several times
"limber" the oil, thus conserving battery energy.
When air temperatures
external preheater and an external power source are recommended
whenever possible to
to the engine and electrical system. Preheat
and abuse
oil trapped in the oil cooler, which probably will be congealed prior
in extremely cold temperatures.
to starting
1
4-34
should be given to the operation of the
use
of additives.
causes
removed, particularly from wing, tail and all control
slush covers the takeoff surface, allowance must be
in fact, prevent takeoff in many instances.
A
are
obtain positive
conditions which require special care
small accumulations of frost, ice,
WARNING
by hand to
below 20°F (-6°C), the use of
starting
CESSNA
MODEL 172R
or prior
to any flight
system
diethylene glycol
and consistency of
"break loose" or
and reduce wear
to
will thaw the
Revision 7
in
is
an