Normal Procedures SR22

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Cold Weather Flying - Cirrus N412DJ Since most of us do our flying in 'warm' California, it is easy to forget the impact of colder weather on our flying and airplanes. In talking with DJ pilots, some are not aware of proper operations once the mercury drops below freezing. I've attached excerpts from the AFM (The great little book in the airplane) regarding Cold Weather. Starting 'DJ': Improper methods of starting in cold weather can severely impact the engine, or stop you from starting all together. Aircraft batteries are small (11AH) and lose a substantial amount of their power below freezing. Avoid the use of the battery during your preflight. If you will be flying in the morning after a previous flight, check all components after your landing when the battery is still warm. Check the electrical components with a GPU connected Start the plane with a GPU (tip the line guys who have to stand in the cold). The AFM recommends a GPU when less than 20F - raise that limit to 32 or if the temperature was even colder overnight. If GPU is not available, consider reducing electrical load during pre-flight and starting Use Pre-heat and be careful of the composite cowling (> $10K) Avoid high RPMs (over the lowest smooth idle) until the oil temperature is in the green. NEVER takeoff until oil temperature is in the green Priming - be very careful - DJ is different than 48F and requires a much shorter prime (2 seconds > 40 F or 5- 10 < 40 ). Overpriming washes oil from the cylinder walls. Icing Conditions and TKS Repeat to yourself - DJ is not certified for flight into known icing (FIKI). You are a test pilot if you continue. The TKS system is only proven not to provide a hazard to flight not for ice removal, or protection. If you find yourself in icing, exit immediately (climb, descend, turn around, ask ATC for help). 1. Pitot Heat - ON, Heat HIGH - Defrost - ON 2. Turn on the TKS to MAX for no more than 1-2 minutes to prime, then to NORM since the tank will run dry quickly on MAX. Use MAX if icing accretion is increasing. 3. Repeat the first recommendation - EXIT icing conditions immediately I've attached photos from the Cirrus Forum (not DJ) of an SR22 in icing - note the unprotected areas covered in ice and the ice even on areas with TKS operating. The pilot who took these photos continued to fly in icing - which is crazy I've flown in FIKI aircraft for 30+ years and have encountered situations when even those airplanes could not handle icing. Do not test the TKS system - it wastes fluid when it might really be needed, I test it quarterly to ensure it works, and it makes a mess in the hangar. DO NOT fly in icing conditions (repeated on purpose). 4-14 P/N 13772-001 Section 4 Cirrus Design Normal Procedures SR22 Before Takeoff During cold weather operations, the engine should be properly warmed up before takeoff. In most cases this is accomplished when the oil temperature has reached at least 100° F (38° C). In warm or hot weather, precautions should be taken to avoid overheating during prolonged ground engine operation. Additionally, long periods of idling may cause fouled spark plugs. • WARNING • Do not takeoff with frost, ice, snow, or other contamination on the fuselage, wing, stabilizers, and control surfaces. 1. Doors ..............................................................................LATCHED 2. CAPS Handle ................................................. Verify Pin Removed 3. Seat Belts and Shoulder Harness.................................... SECURE 4. Air Conditioner .......................................................... AS DESIRED • Note • If Air Conditioner is ON for takeoff roll, see Section 5, Performance for takeoff distance change. No takeoff distance change is necessary if system remains OFF for takeoff roll. 5. Fuel Quantity.................................................................. CONFIRM 6. Fuel Selector ......................................................... FULLEST TANK 7. Fuel Pump.......................................................................... BOOST 8. Mixture ................................................................... AS REQUIRED 9. Flaps ...............................................................SET 50% & CHECK 10. Transponder ............................................................................. SET 11. Autopilot ............................................................................. CHECK 12. Navigation Radios/GPS ......................................... SET for Takeoff 13. Cabin Heat/Defrost ................................................ AS REQUIRED 14. Brakes ................................................................................... HOLD 15. Power Lever ................................................................... 1700 RPM 16. Alternator ........................................................................... CHECK a. Pitot Heat............................................................................ ON Revision A10 P/N 13772-001 4-25 Cirrus Design Section 4 SR22 Normal Procedures Environmental Considerations Cold Weather Operation Starting If the engine has been cold soaked, it is recommended that the propeller be pulled through by hand several times to break loose or limber the oil. This procedure will reduce power draw on the battery if a battery start is made. When the engine has been exposed to temperatures at or below 20° Fahrenheit (-7° C) for a period of two hours or more, the use of an external pre-heater and external power is recommended. Failure to properly preheat a cold-soaked engine may result in oil congealing within the engine, oil hoses, and oil cooler with subsequent loss of oil flow, possible internal damage to the engine, and subsequent engine failure. If the engine does not start during the first few attempts, or if engine firing diminishes in strength, the spark plugs have probably frosted