Comment

Comment by Ari Hulkkonen on March 25, 2013 at 5:29pm

The count was 65 aircrafts. I and my 701 were nominated as the Ice Man coming from the most Northern place - a special prize was promised, so far have not seen it - maybe Santa will bring it next winter :)

Comment by Bob McDonald on March 10, 2013 at 9:46am

Looks like your having way too much fun :>)

Comment by Ari Hulkkonen on March 10, 2013 at 2:04am

No issues. I use a 1,5kW car interior heater blowing warm air into the cowling. I'm sure with enough battery capacity and using fully synthetic oil (e.g. 0W-40) the engine would start even at low temps but we always preheat the engine to save it. The intention is to run it to TBO and well beyond. An other story is if you stay overnight somewhere in the bush.. Maybe a small campfire under the engine :)

I have started car engines at well below -25C without preheat, both diesel and gas but it's pain for them too. Aircraft engines with optimized structure to cut weight might not handle the stress.

Some years ago it was a cold winter, temperatures dropping down to -40C and below. People trying to start their engines often just destroyed them. Especially high compression diesels might not survive the stress at those temps. 

Comment by Kevin Collins on March 9, 2013 at 11:11pm

Hi Ari - I too enjoy your photos, keep it up. do you have any starting issues with such low temps

Comment by Joe Harrington on March 9, 2013 at 7:53pm

Ari, really enjoy all your photographs! You are making me jealous and wishing I had my 750 flying. Keep posting and possibly adding a trip report. Cheers, Joe