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Pilot’s Operating Manual
Section VI Sub-section 1
GROUND HANDLING
P/N 140-590032-0007
Revision A4: Sep, 2010
COLD WEATHER PROCEDURES (Snow, Slush and Ice)
PREFLIGHT INSPECTION
Make sure that the tires are not frozen to the ramp, and that the brakes are free of ice contamination.
De-icing or anti-icing solutions may be used on the tires and brakes if they are frozen. Solutions which
contain a lubricant, such as oil, must not be used as they will decrease the effectiveness of the brakes.
In addition to the normal exterior preflight inspection, special attention should be given to all vents,
openings, static ports, control surfaces, hinge points, and the wing, tail, and fuselage surfaces for
accumulations of ice or snow. Removal of these accumulations is necessary prior to takeoff.
Airfoil contours may be altered by the ice and snow to the extent that their lift qualities will be seriously
impaired. Ice and snow on the fuselage can increase drag and weight.
No attempt should be made to remove ice deposits or break an ice bond by force.
Frost that may form on the wing fuel tank bottom skins need not be removed prior to flight. Frost that
may accumulate on other portions of the wing, the tail surfaces, or on any control surface, must be
removed prior to flight.
For frost accumulation and removal, refer to the Airplane Flight Manual Section 2 - LIMITATIONS (ICE
PROTECTION LIMITATIONS - Airframe Icing) and the FAA published FSAT.
Unless engine inlet covers have been installed during snow or icing conditions, the rotor blades should
be turned by hand in the direction of normal rotation to make sure they are free to rotate prior to starting
engines. The removal of frozen deposits by chipping or scraping is not recommended. A soft brush,
squeegee, or mop may be used to clear snow that is not adhering to the surfaces.
If use of de-icing/anti-icing fluids are required to produce a clean airplane, special attention must be
given to the pitot masts, static ports, fuel vents, cockpit windows and the area forward of the cockpit
windows to make sure these components and areas are free of the de-icing/anti-icing solution.
Complete the normal preflight procedures, including a check of the flight controls for complete freedom
of movement.
TAXIING
Taxiing through deep snow or slush should be avoided when possible. Snow and slush can be forced
into brake assemblies which may cause the brakes to freeze during a prolonged hold on the ground or
during the subsequent flight. Keep flaps retracted during taxiing to avoid throwing snow or slush into
flap mechanisms and to minimize damage to flap surfaces.
Glaze ice can be difficult to see, therefore, taxi slowly and allow more clearance from objects when
maneuvering the airplane.
BEFORE TAKEOFF
After completion of the normal before takeoff checklist, verify that the airplane is still free of frozen
contaminants. Make sure the runway is free from hazards such as snow drifts, glazed ice, and ruts. If
visible moisture is to be encountered during take-off, engine anti-ice must be turned on.
WARNING:
ICE, FROST, OR SNOW ON TOP OF DE-ICING/ANTI-ICING SOLUTIONS MUST BE
CONSIDERED AS ADHERING TO THE AIRPLANE. TAKEOFF SHOULD NOT BE
ATTEMPTED.
