Flying Warm in the Winter

Some of the best flying of the year is in the winter.  Now this statement is not a big surprise to someone flying a Cessna.  He knows that in the winter his airplane performs at its best.  The cold, dense air gives the engine plenty of oxygen (more power) and makes for better performing propellers and wings.  But when I fly an open cockpit aircraft like a trike on a freezing day people look at me like I’ve lost my mind.  Who in their right mind would fly an open cockpit aircraft during the winter?

For all of my questioners the issue is not performance but warmth.  After all, it’s freezing here on terra firma, so it’s got to be even colder up stairs – right?  Well the “colder up stairs” is not always the case.  I live near the Blue Ridge Mountains, so we usually have an inversion during in the morning.  It is often noticeably warmer 800-1000 feet above the ground.  But “warmer” is relative.  During the winter “warmer” is still cold. 

So, how do I stay warm during the winter in an open cockpit aircraft?  Here are some ideas, many of which I gathered come from people trying to stay warm while riding motorcycles, skiing, snowmobiling, etc.

The first rule of thumb is layering.  Layering is the practice of using multiple layers to adjust to the conditions rather than one bulky layer.  The first layer I will discuss is the outer layer.  This should be windproof and cover the torso and the legs.  I prefer a one piece suit because it eliminates drafts that can find their way into the seams of two piece solutions.  I use an Ozee flight suit because it is made for open cockpit flyers like me.  It has lots of convenient pockets and is made to flex in the ways flyers flex.  I also like the way the suit is designed to allow me to put it on without having to take my shoes off. I recommend you buy it one size larger so that you can layer below it.  It is available in insulated and uninsulated models.  Mine is uninsulated which allows me to use it year-round.  However, for flyers who live in really cold country I recommend the insulated model.

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