❄️ Winter Operations Seminar
Essential annual training for safe winter flying in Québec
Format: Zoom (live)
Language: English
Dates: December 9th (English), December 11th (French) & December 16th (English) – 6:00 PM
Overview
The Winter Operations Seminar for Pilots is designed to help you confidently navigate the challenges of winter flying in Québec. Although winter flying often provides crisp air and excellent visibility, the season also introduces unique risks. As a result, pilots must be ready for snow, ice contamination, and rapidly shifting weather patterns. With proper training, operations become far safer and much more predictable, and you can approach winter flying with confidence. This seminar therefore equips you with the awareness and techniques needed to operate safely throughout the season.
Skynova Aviation operates year-round, including during harsh Québec winters. Consequently, all pilots must understand the procedures required at this time of year. For this reason, the Winter Ops Seminar is mandatory for Skynova students and renters; however, it is also open to any pilot who wishes to strengthen their winter flying skills.
What You Will Learn
✔ Pre-Flight Preparation
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De-icing and anti-icing procedures
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Snow and ice contamination risks
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Winter preflight inspection techniques
✔ Weather & Icing Awareness
In addition to learning how to interpret winter weather, pilots will review the tools needed to make informed decisions:
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Interpreting winter METARs and TAFs
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Using icing forecasts and freezing-level products
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Evaluating rapidly changing conditions and reading PIREPs
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Supplemental weather resources, such as:
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Nav Canada Weather: https://flightplanning.navcanada.ca
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NOAA Aviation Weather Center: https://aviationweather.gov
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✔ Operational Techniques
During the seminar, you will also examine specific winter procedures that significantly improve safety:
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Cold-weather engine starts
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Warm-up techniques, carb heat use, and engine care
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Taxi, takeoff, and landing on contaminated surfaces
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Visibility considerations, including night operations
✔ Practical Scenarios
Furthermore, real-world examples help reinforce these concepts:
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Operational situations experienced in Québec
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Risk-mitigation strategies used at Skynova
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PIC responsibilities during winter flying
How It Works
After registering, you simply attend one of the three live Zoom sessions (Dec 9, 11 or 16). Each session lasts approximately 2 hour, followed by a Q&A period. Once completed, your attendance is added to your student training file.
If you want additional flying practice or a structured skills refresher, you may also explore our Flight Proficiency Package:
👉 https://skynovaaviation.com/product/flight-proficiency/
Who Should Attend?
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Skynova solo students
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Skynova aircraft renters
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Licensed pilots preparing to fly during winter
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Any pilot seeking a seasonal refresher
Included
In addition to the online seminar itself, participants receive:
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A detailed PDF: Winter Ops Quick Reference
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7-day access to the session recording
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Instructor Q&A
Additional References
Finally, for further reading on winter operations and contamination awareness, you may consult:
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Transport Canada – Critical Surface Contamination Training (TP 10643):
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/publications/when-doubtsmall-large-aircraft-aircraft-critical-surface-contamination-training-tp-10643 -
Nav Canada Weather Portal: https://flightplanning.navcanada.ca
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NOAA Aviation Weather Center: https://aviationweather.gov
