Winterizing Planes?
 

Since it is getting to be that time of the year I thought I would ask if anyone has a Winterizing Checklist for their planes. I thought it would be good to put together a winterizing checklist similiar to a field preflight checklist so that nothing is forgotten. Anyone got anything they are using that would be willing to share?

RE: Winterizing Planes?
 

My winterizing checklist??

Buy more fuel
get or build floats to fly off of snow...
make sure I can find my boots, hat, and gloves..
combination for the gate at the flying field..

Go fly!

Why would winter stop you???

But..
Others will answer...
Empty fuel out of engine.
add a little after run oil (subject of many debates...
put batteries in the freezer...

RE: Winterizing Planes?
 

Wise Guy replies not needed :D

As the newsletter editor for our club I am trying to come up with a checklist for our members who do not fly in the winter. Items that I have thought of:

Make sure Fuel Tank is empty.
Clean Plane
Check Plane for any repairs needed
Fix anything found in previous step.
Clean Engine
Add Afterrun Oil to Engine
Cycle Batteries

I seem to remember seeing a good article last year sometime in AMA or MAN publications talking about this, however I can not seem to locate the article. Searches have turned up nothing. If anyone has anything to add to the list or knows of an article talking about Winterizing a Model Airplane please add to this thread.

Thanks....and please remember no Wise Guy replies needed:D this is for our members who do not fly in the winter.

RE: Winterizing Planes?
 

Move to Florida :D

RE: Winterizing Planes?
 

Whats winter??????? -Mike El Paso, Texas

RE: Winterizing Planes?
 

Whats Winter???? Mike- El Paso ,Texas

RE: Winterizing Planes?
 

You guys are worse than my 5 year old![:'(];) Really come on how about some serious replies.

Requirements:
This is inteded for the following people.
Yes some people have winter.
Yes some people don't fly in the winter with ski or floats


All other smart alec coments keep to yourself. ;):D If you have something contructive to help me add to a winterize checklist than please post it to this thread.

Thanks

RE: Winterizing Planes?
 

For all of you leaving smart alec replies...here is an example of winter.

RE: Winterizing Planes?
 

I think you should be winterizing the pilot more than the plane. After-all, the batteries do get hot which makes for anything within earshot of it getting hot..... well, in the winter, that problem goes away.

Keep your batteries charged and hot until they are in the plane and running!!!
Color your bird a different color than the snow!!!
Snow shoes or skis might be in order?!?!
Don't eat yellow snow!!!
Don't fly alone!!!
Snow skis for the plane for landings!!!!
Even if you color your bird a different color than the snow, bring a shovel or you'll have to wait until spring or the first thaw.

RE: Winterizing Planes?
 

Why not fly in winter? Cooler denser air with lower overall relative humidity and less people at the field- Nothing better!!!!!

But If you Must-
1- Remove all fuel from tank
2- Remove all fuel from engine and put a few drops of after-run oil in it
3- Charge batteries and disconnect if possible
4- Clean plane and radio (store in warm dry place)
5- Huddle around a warm fire and wait for spring..

RE: Winterizing Planes?
 

Thanks for replying with a ligitamate answer and not wise cracks.

RE: Winterizing Planes?
 

:D

RE: Winterizing Planes?
 

Well to be serious for a while:
I did get together a winterizing program which went something like this:

Extra Underwear
Flask of hot toddy
Snow boots
two bottles of red wine
Hot water Bottle
Matches
Fire lighters

HELL who cares about flying:D

RE: Winterizing Planes?
 

Sorry man a little humor goes a long way. Yes sometimes we act like 5year olds in mens bodys, thats what keeps us young. Sorry again. Mike .