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Comment by Bob McDonald on March 7, 2013 at 3:04pm

The other heater used around here in remote locations is "Northern Companion"

http://www.aircraftspruce.ca/catalog/eppages/ncpreheater.php

Its expensive but proven in northern climates with aircraft for years. Your CESSNA buddies would love it for engine starting in remote over night locations.

Comment by Bob McDonald on March 7, 2013 at 2:58pm

I use a Rieffe Rotax 912 electric heater kit. Easy 1 hr install puts a 100 watt heater on the bottom of the engine block, and a 50 watt strap style (looks like a gear clamp) around the oil tank. Engine blanket on and the oil temps are 60 degrees on startup. Not a fast heater in needs 3 - 5 hrs... but if you carry a HONDA 1000 watt gas generator you can keep the engine warm or reheat it. That way you have a/c electricity + battery charger + engine heater in one pkg. Thermostat control keeps you from burning down aircraft in hangar.

Comment by Ari Hulkkonen on February 26, 2013 at 12:28am

Already tried to reply but the text disappeared somewhere :)

Anyway, that's an issue. We usually cover the cowling, which keeps the engine warm for hours. But if you had to stay overnight, you'd have to light a fire under the engine and hope for the best :)

The Rotax sure starts but a true cold start is a nightmare for the engine. So we keep it warm. At hangar we use an electric car interior heater blowing warm air into the cowling. Works well and does not add any weight as it's not permanently installed. Some have electric heaters warming up the coolant. Some use gas or oil heaters blowing warm air, which is probably the most effective way to warm up the engine.

Comment by Ian McClelland on February 25, 2013 at 9:05pm

Were you concerned about starting your engine in such a remote and cold place?

Comment by Ari Hulkkonen on February 25, 2013 at 2:26pm

That's the way it is in the North Pole. Back home its soft and plenty..

Comment by Bob McDonald on February 25, 2013 at 7:09am

Great picture. Snow looks like its hard packed conditions.