NL / GUIDE 03Weather / Operational
Cold-weather operations
In winter, a clean aircraft and an honest performance calculation come first.
Field guide
Operational brief
In winter, a clean aircraft and an honest performance calculation come first.
A northern-operations mindset for contamination, de-icing, aircraft systems, performance and changing runway conditions.
On completion
01 / Recognise the threat
Freezing is not confined to a thermometer reading.
Build the winter picture from temperature, dew point, precipitation, recent aircraft exposure and surface condition. Freezing fog, drizzle, wet snow and cold-soaked fuel can create contamination in conditions that appear manageable at first glance.
Inspect the aircraft visually in the simulator where supported and use the aircraft’s icing indications. Never assume that a wing is clean because the fuselage or windscreen looks clear.
- Read the complete weather sequence, not only the latest METAR
- Check runway contamination and braking reports
- Consider cold-soaked wing contamination after arrival
02 / Clean aircraft
Takeoff begins with uncontaminated critical surfaces.
The clean-aircraft concept means critical surfaces are free of adhering frost, ice, snow and slush except where an aircraft manual specifically permits it. De-icing removes contamination; anti-icing provides limited protection against further accumulation.
Holdover guidance supports a decision but does not guarantee protection. If the precipitation changes, protection may have failed, or the aircraft no longer appears clean, reassess before takeoff.
03 / Aircraft systems
Use the procedure for the type you are flying.
Engine and wing anti-ice logic, minimum speeds and limitations differ across the Dash 8, 737, 757, 767 and A321LR. Follow the correct add-on documentation and checklist rather than carrying a flow from another aircraft.
Expect bleed-air demand, higher idle settings or anti-ice use to affect takeoff, climb and fuel performance. Recompute where the simulation and planning tools support those penalties.
04 / Runway and taxi
Contamination changes every distance.
Use current runway-condition information and a landing-performance calculation that reflects wind, temperature, runway state, braking action and aircraft configuration. A runway that is legal on paper may still provide an uncomfortable margin.
Taxi gently, allow greater spacing and anticipate reduced steering and braking. After landing, decelerate early and avoid aggressive turns from the runway.
- Use a contaminated-runway performance mode when available
- Brief a conservative exit rather than chasing the first taxiway
- Reassess when precipitation or temperature changes
Release to line
Five checks.
Then fly.
Temperature, dew point and precipitation reviewed
Critical surfaces confirmed clean
Correct type-specific anti-ice procedure selected
Takeoff and landing performance reflect conditions
Runway condition and conservative taxi plan briefed
Primary references
Go to the
source.
Operational details change. Verify revision dates and use current charts, aircraft documentation and active ATC instructions for every flight.
