When Winter Flying Gets Icy

Good morning! If you have a few extra minutes today, I highly encourage you to watch this week’s PilotTube video below—it’s an incredible example of a pilot utilizing his resources, time and skills for a greater good. 🛩️

-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• Winter Flying Tips for Pilots

• Around the Skies: G650 takes its final flight, Honeywell’s bold split, Rudder mandate hits Pipers, Pilots push back on ADS-B, Archer’s pilot academy launches, Backcountry pilots take on Patagonia, eVTOL pioneer calls it quits, General aviation fuels $339B economy

• PilotTube: An Unreachable Crash Site Meets an Unstoppable Blackhawk Crew

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

Navigating Winter Weather Like a Pro

Winter flying offers breathtaking views and improved aircraft performance, but it also comes with challenges that demand extra preparation. Cold temperatures boost engine efficiency and climb rates, but they also mean frozen hangar doors, weak batteries and deicing delays. Preheating the engine, ensuring the battery is in top shape and arranging for deicing in advance can help pilots avoid frustrating delays and keep operations running smoothly.

Aircraft preparation is key, but pilot readiness is just as important. Carbon monoxide detectors are a must when using cabin heaters and winterization kits can help maintain proper engine temperatures. Removing wheel pants to prevent ice buildup, wearing proper winter gear and carrying emergency supplies are smart precautions. A complete weather briefing, with attention to icing risks and fast-moving cold fronts, is essential before takeoff.

While winter conditions add a layer of complexity, they also provide some of the most rewarding flying experiences. Crisp air, stunning snow-covered landscapes and smooth aircraft performance make it worth the effort. With thoughtful planning and a healthy respect for cold-weather risks, pilots can enjoy the benefits of winter flying while ensuring safe and successful operations.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ The legendary Gulfstream G650 has rolled off the production line for the last time, marking the end of an era for an aircraft that redefined business aviation. With over 125 speed records and more than a million flight hours, the G650 cemented its place in history. From the Collier Trophy to world circumnavigation records, this jet truly ruled the skies.

🛩️ Honeywell is making a bold move, splitting into three companies, with one being a dedicated aviation division. Driven by investor pressure, the restructuring allows its $104 billion aerospace arm to chart its own course. Bombardier welcomed the decision, calling the added focus a positive step. Set to finalize in 2026, the split positions Honeywell’s aviation business for long-term growth.

🛩️ The FAA is mandating rudder replacements for thousands of vintage Piper aircraft, citing concerns over fatigue and corrosion. Effective March 20, 2025, the directive requires replacing aging rudders with more durable ones, impacting nearly 31,000 planes. While owners and aviation groups have pushed back over costs and logistics, compliance isn’t optional—Piper pilots are facing some costly upgrades ahead.

🛩️ AOPA is pushing back on the FAA’s use of ADS-B data, arguing it is being misused for enforcement actions, lawsuits and unexpected fees. Pilots who signed up for safety now find their flight data working against them. While some privacy protections exist, AOPA is calling for stronger limits to prevent ADS-B from becoming a costly burden.

🛩️ Archer Aviation is now certified to train pilots for its electric air taxi service. With FAA approval, the company can officially prepare crews for its Midnight aircraft, designed for quick urban flights.

🛩️ A new partnership between the Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation and Patagonia Bush Pilots is bringing advanced backcountry flight training to South America. JRBAF members can now hone their skills on remote airstrips, navigate mountains and explore Patagonia’s wild landscapes.

🛩️ Lilium, once a frontrunner in the electric jet revolution, has officially run out of fuel. Despite securing a promising investor deal in December, the necessary funds never arrived, forcing the company into insolvency. Employees went months without pay as Lilium scrambled for a financial lifeline, but restructuring efforts ultimately failed.

🛩️ General aviation has packed a $339 billion punch, supporting over 1.3 million jobs—according to a new GAMA-backed study. Despite lingering pandemic challenges, the industry has added 150,000 jobs and increased its economic contribution by $92 billion since 2020. The study highlights GA’s role as a technology incubator, driving advancements in sustainability, avionics and manufacturing. With 214,222 active aircraft logging 28.6 million flight hours, general aviation continues to be a major force in the U.S. economy.

PilotTube

In this video, Dave Sparks and his crew take on a seemingly impossible mission—using their UH-60 Blackhawk to recover a crashed aircraft and its fallen pilot from a remote Nevada mountain. With authorities unable to reach the wreckage, Sparks and his team navigate extreme terrain and high-altitude conditions to execute a daring aerial extraction. Their precision flying and unwavering determination bring closure to a grieving family, proving that when others step aside, true heroes step up.

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