![]() |
Aviation MentorsAuthor: Brandon Martini & Carson Vasquez
We are The Aviation Mentors, a weekly podcast dedicated to creating an amazing space where we aviators can hang out and enjoy a wide range of conversations about anything aviation. We're aviators, we're mentors, and we're entrepreneurs. Whether you're a student pilot, professional pilot, general aviation enthusiast, or just an AV Geek like us, this is the podcast for you! Join us every Friday as we share our passion for flying! Sponsored by Stratus Financial www.stratus.finance Language: en Genres: Education, Places & Travel, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
Winter Flying Safety for Pilots: Frost, Icing, FIKI Aircraft, and IFR Considerations
Episode 206
Friday, 19 December, 2025
Winter flying, icing, fog, and cold-weather decision-making—how do pilots actually manage the risks when temperatures drop? ❄️✈️In this episode of the Aviation Mentors Podcast, Brandon and Carson dive deep into winter flying realities, sharing real-world stories, hard lessons learned, and practical guidance every pilot should know. From scraping frost off windshields to flying IFR through icing conditions, this episode covers:• The dangers of frost, ice, and snow on aircraft before takeoff• Real pilot experiences with in-flight icing and how to escape it safely• The difference between FIKI-certified aircraft and non-approved airplanes• Deicing systems explained: boots, heated wings, fluids, and carb heat• Why “just a little ice” can quickly become a life-threatening problem• How cold weather affects engines, oil viscosity, and aircraft starting• Fog types, winter METARs, ceilings, and visibility considerations• Decision-making, get-there-itis, and winter risk management for pilots🎯 Whether you’re a student pilot, private pilot, or instrument-rated aviator, this episode provides clear answers and actionable insights to help you fly smarter—and safer—during winter operations.🌎 New episodes drop every Friday. Join Aviation Mentors and stay confident, informed, and prepared for real-world flying challenges.








