Ski flying

Ski flying does not require a rating or endorsement, but you should spend a few hours learning the tricks and traps with an instructor or experienced ski pilot before embarking on an adventure whose demands are easy to underestimate.

Most general aviation ski flying happens in small taildraggers. A tailwheel endorsement is a gateway, and the guidelines for operating on skis are similar to those for tailwheel aircraft on a soft field. Still, flying a ski-equipped airplane is a departure that requires attention.

The main differences are the lack of brakes and the snow, which affect every phase of ground handling. In addition to keeping you moving when you want to stop, and acting like an anchor when you want to move, snow makes turning a challenge.

Dress in layers to keep warm

While ski flying is fun, winter flying can be challenging if you do not dress appropriately. Since enjoyment in this case starts with comfort, aspiring ski pilots should make a point of preparing for the worst. Bring enough clothing and survival gear to handle a night or two in the wilderness in case you are stranded in a remote area without immediate support.



Don't forget: no brakes

This affects every phase of ground handling. While you want to keep moving on the ground, keep the speed low to avoid losing control, colliding with obstacles or stressing the landing gear. "Burying the tailwheel" with rearward stick pressure can be an effective way to slow down.



Keep skies from freezing to ice and snow

Taxiing heats the skis, causing the snow underneath to melt, refreeze, and stick. There are several ways to separate the skis from the snow when parking, from plastic sheets or garbage bags to scraps of wood or carpeting—just about any barrier will do.



Assess the snow's condition

A rule to live by for skis to keep moving to avoid getting stuck, the likelihood of which increases in deep, loose snow. You will need snowshoes for this and something like plastic bags or mats to separate the skis from the snow when parking, to keep snow from sticking.



Patiently scout potential landing areas

Preparing for landing requires vigilance and extra time for reconnoitering the field. Flying low and dragging the skis through the snow allows the pilot to check snow conditoins and make tracks to follow when landing.



Use soft-field techniques for takeoff and landing

In what might be a change from flying on turf or pavement, it is best to land with power to keep the airplane moving until you reach a parking space, while making wide, gentle, sweeping turns to avoid excessive side loads on the landing gear. Takeoffs and landings, however, are much like those you practiced during flight training: use ground effect to your advantage.



Taxi slowly but steadily

Without the luxury of differential braking, the best method is to apply full rudder and short, strong bursts of power to bring the tail around while controlling speed to avoid harmful side loads on the landing gear.