Winter flying
 

Is there any problem flying in winter ? At what temp it could become a problem for the engine or batterie ? Any problem with the fuel or anything else to take care ? We often get high humidity during the winter here and it's usually really cold but I hope some day will be warm enough to fly on skis.

Thanks,
Séb

RE: Winter flying
 

The temperature for winter flying is not a problem as long as you take a few precautions.

1. Charge your batteries JUST BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR THE FIELD.

2. Keep the plane and TX in your heated vehicle between flights.

3. Before EACH flight check the batteries with a meter to be sure they are OK.

4. Increase the nitro content of your fuel. If you normally use 10% nitro, go to 15% (20% would be better)

5. Use an electric starter.

6. If you have an AC power source at your field, bring your heat gun along to warm the engine up before trying to start it. If you don't have AC power, consider using some chemical hand warmers, and make sure you keep the plane in the car, with the engine (if possible ) in the direct flow of the car heater.

7. Run the engine richer.

8. Get some "fingerless gloves" or a transmitter bag (preferred ).

9. Make sure you have a thermos of a HOT, NON_ALCOHOLIC beverage.

These are the basics. I am certain others will mention things I have forgotten (They say the mind is the 2nd thing to go. I forgot what the 1st thing was :D:D:D )

RE: Winter flying
 

I have flown in the 10-15 degree range. Allow lots of warm up time after starting and use Ronson lighter fluid to prime, it's oily and works well for those of us to fly in that kin'da weather. You are only going to fly less than 5 mins at a time so have a good heat source around.
Do not run the engine too slow or most likley it will cool down and stop.....a glow heater helps a lot.
A bright sunny, windless day with powder is a blast and floats work as well as skis.
Have fun.;)

RE: Winter flying
 

Winter Flying??? Back in the old days, before 1985 when I lived in the Chicago area, I remember having fun with winter flying. I couldn't do it much below 20* F though. Ski flying is great sport.

Campy pretty well states it A-OK. However one point that many miss is a great starting prime fluid. Simply mix a small squirt bottle with 1/2 your glow fuel and 1/2 regular GASOLINE. Works like a charm and no problem with starting down to at least 10* F.

Back in those old days before all the Safety Code (U.S. / AMA) stuff we had our personal warmer along so as to help things along. Of course good ol' brother "Jack Daniels" was the warmer. Life was so much nicer back then. :D

RE: Winter flying
 

Winter flying was recently dealt with in this thread:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_63...tm.htm#6326291

RE: Winter flying
 

Ok but how do you use this starting fluid ? Do you just add few drop directly in the carburator or what else ?

RE: Winter flying
 

Fellow "snow birds",
Have any of you tried the aerosol type engine starters which are sometimes used on our moter vehicles?
The stuff that is squirted directly into the carb.

Fredsedno

RE: Winter flying
 

You mean ether? Don't do it. It burns too hot, and no lube. I just prime the engine by plugging the exhaust and turning it over. I've never used a prime bottle, and I fly on 15% all year round. 0 was the coldest I've flown at. 3500 ASL.

RE: Winter flying
 

Depending on how your engine is hanging off the nose of the plane and what structure is located where, I've found a propane torch is invaluable at pre-heating the engine. I've used that method to pre-heat Cox .049's and flown at -10F. The engines started right up on the first flip since they where close to operating temp.

Performance of the plane and engine is much better in the denser air, and ski's are a blast to fly with. Floats will also work on snow.

Hogflyer

RE: Winter flying
 

Deadeye,
Just curious. I prime mine same as you. When the temp. drops below 20 degrees, I stay at home and build.

not the sharpest tack in the box.

RE: Winter flying
 

Insulated coveralls, Caribou boots, heavy winter jacket with hood, and my trusty mongo mitt with a chemical pack. It keeps me plenty toasty for a ten minute flight. I usually throw a chem pack inside the plane by the battery when it gets below 20, but I never seem to have a hard time starting my planes.

RE: Winter flying
 

We fly all through the winter here at Northern New South Wales.

Some days it gets so cold that you have to put a sweater on until the sun gets up a bit!

It's tough, but we get through[>:]

Terry

RE: Winter flying
 

WOW I never thought of that! Now I just have to talk my wife into knitting a sweater for my PLANE[>:]

RE: Winter flying
 

Phew --- that does sound tough. :D

RE: Winter flying
 

Hey Deadeye,
When it gets so cold your spit freezes before it hits the ground us yankees stay inside near the fire.
Possibly the coldest tack in the box ,Fredsedno.