Nov. 23, 2012, issue of 'AOPA ePilot: Flight Training Edition' weekly newsletter
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| A prime directive |
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Training TipsA prime directive
Procedures for cold-weather engine starts vary by make and model—but how well the pilot understands the details of starting technique often determines who flies and who only tries.
For example, priming a carbureted engine may seem like a simple task, but the right touch will deliver results that let you get on with your session.
Why is priming key in the cold?
Chapter 6 of the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge explains that “during cold weather, when engines are difficult to start, the fuel primer helps because there is not enough heat available to vaporize the fuel in the carburetor.”
That’s the key operating principle. But what’s so touchy about start-ups that a pilot’s priming know-how can make such a big difference?
The Air Safety Institute’s Safety Advisor on engine operations addresses that question: “On carbureted engines, cold starts are arguably the most difficult and provide a test of the pilot’s understanding of aircraft systems,” it says. “To start a cold engine, add extra fuel by priming. This puts fuel directly into one or more cylinders (via the intake manifold). Refer to the aircraft’s POH (pilots operating handbook) for the correct priming technique. Do not pump the throttle, as this will simply force raw fuel (which doesn’t vaporize as easily in cold weather) into the intake system, possibly causing an engine fire.”
Don’t rush when applying your priming strokes. Often you can hear the faint hissing noise of the primer doing its work.
As noted, how much to prime is a matter of a specific make and model’s recommended procedures. If a range of priming strokes to apply is published for your aircraft, keep in mind that the colder the temperature, the more you may have to prime.
Up and running? Don’t move on to the next checklist item without making sure that the primer is locked securely in place. Should an unsecured primer work loose, or be left partly extended, your trainer’s engine might be running excessively rich. That condition might leave your aircraft unable to deliver maximum power when needed. Flight Training NewsAviation apps you can’t live withoutePilot Flight Training Edition Editor Benét J. Wilson did a poll on the AOPA Facebook page asking members to name one—and only one—iPhone/iPad/Android aviation-related app they could not live without and why. Making the five were WingX Pro 7, ForeFlight Mobile, Naviator, CloudAhoy, and GoodReader. 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Note: Products listed have not been evaluated by ePilot editors unless otherwise noted. AOPA assumes no responsibility for products or services listed or for claims or actions by manufacturers or vendors. Member BenefitsThe name gameBeing added to a friend’s policy as a “named pilot” is a great thing. In fact, most of us wish we had more of these kinds of friends. So what does it mean to be a named pilot? Simply put, you have been specifically approved by the underwriter insuring your friend’s aircraft to fly that person’s airplane without voiding the owner’s coverage. There may be some additional requirements you need to follow, such as a checkout with a CFI or a few hours of dual logged in the make and model, before you are fully cleared. Read more >> BlogsPhoto of the day: Fall foliage flightFlying is fun no matter what the season, but there’s something especially satisfying about getting a bird’s-eye view of autumn colors in their fleeting glory, writes Flight Training Technical Editor Jill Tallman. Read more >> Because this is what Airplanistas doDan Pimentel, editor of the Airplanista blog, discusses how we all must remain loyal to the “First Unwritten Rule of being an Aviator: Pilots help other pilots, all the time, without asking why, because that’s what we Airplanistas do. I’m talking about the small things, the no-brainers that we aviators do for our aviation family members.” Read more >> AOPA Career OpportunitiesEver dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? We’re looking for an events coordinator; AOPA eastern regional manager; marketing coordinator; .NET applications developer; production assistant–Web; member services representative; manager, AOPA Flying Club Network; Web developer (eMedia); major gifts officer; and Web graphic designer. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online. Community
AVIATION EVENTS & WEATHER
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It’s a chilly morning out on the flight line. Whether it’s cold enough to require an engine preheat or not, you may have noticed that not everyone who got out there for an early-morning practice session has managed to start up and taxi away without difficulty.
IFR Fix: Circle game
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