It's always amazing me how fast the change to Winter ops hits us. One moment we’re managing the intensity of a packed summer schedule, the next we’re staring down icy taxiways, short daylight windows, and crews wrapped in winter gear. The change from summer to winter operations is more than just incorporating additional procedures - it’s about resetting how we think. It’s about mindset.
So, while its easy to jump straight into the technical specifics like holdover times or snow clearance (that we cover in the latest edition of Conversation Aviation) it is important first to stop and talk about what it really means to switch to winter mode - across our teams, our tech, and our thinking.
Mindset: Changing the Mental Model
At times, summer can feel like a marathon, dressed up like a sprint - it brings lots of challenges but - thankfully - most of them are predictable; but what worked in July doesn’t necessarily fly in January.
Winter is a part of the year that requires a lot of thought. With reduced visibility, freezing precipitation and contaminated surfaces, margins for error reduce. Small errors and/or mistakes can subsequently have a more significant contribution to the escalation of safety events.
This isn’t about being negative, it’s about being deliberate. Safety isn’t just about reporting and counting the number of incidents, it’s about equipping every staff member with the tools to effectively identify and manage risks in our operation.
Start every day by asking yourself these questions:
What does today’s conditions mean for what we’re about to do?
What operational procedures are applicable for the operating conditions that we are likely to encounter today?
Do we need more time to complete the required tasks?
What are the little things that could go wrong? How can my role in the team help in timely identifying and mitigating likely threats?
Winter ops require more planning, more patience and more communication. Although trust in other stakeholders is inherit to our operation, it is prudent to not assume and instead obtain confirmation when in doubt.
People: Being Ready
Cold weather can affect us more than we think, physically and mentally. When it’s freezing, there may be an unconscious tendency to rush. Our ability to focus can be impacted with the increased potential for things to slip - both literally and figuratively.
Take the time that you feel is needed to operate safely. Don’t skip checks or briefings. Speak up if conditions make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. For shift leads and managers, keep checking in. For people on the ramp at our bigger bases, we’ve added hot drink points and identified new shelter zones across our network this winter, use them. Look out for colleagues who seem withdrawn or fatigued. Winter is harder on people, especially during long nights and early starts on cold mornings.
Being fit for duty doesn’t just mean turning up - it means being alert, engaged and aware.
Equipment: Operating in Winter Weather
You know how we say “trust your tools”? In winter, your equipment behaves differently.
Aircraft, vehicles and equipment don’t always like cold starts - monitor systems closely and report issues to maintenance control.
Ground vehicles and aircraft can skid - use slower, more cautious movements.
Jet bridges can freeze or misalign - double-check docking.
Walkways and aprons become slip zones - never assume they’ve been treated.
Report any equipment that’s not coping - it’s better to fix a heater or GPU now than when it’s -5°C and blowing sideways.
Compliance: The Rules Get Sharper in Winter
There’s no seasonal exemption from EASA rules. If anything, winter operations amplify the importance of compliance.
We have updated procedures for de-icing, contaminated runway ops, minimum visibility criteria and more on our company network. If you’re not sure, ask. If you feel pushed to cut corners - stop. We’re never chasing on-time performance at the expense of safety.
Remember: compliance is not a box-tick - it’s a shield. Stick to it and you protect everyone, including yourself.
Risks: New Season, New Threats
Here’s what tops our winter risk radar:
Slips, trips and falls on icy surfaces.
Contamination on aircraft wings and control surfaces.
Runway excursions due to braking degradation on slippery surfaces.
Fatigue contributed to by the longer nights and hours of darkness.
Reduced situational awareness during darkness and low visibility.
Think of winter risks as sneaky. They don’t always come with loud alarms. They build up quietly, until they don’t.
Learning: From Past Mistakes to Future Wins
We’ve had our winter wake-up calls. Last year, we had a near-miss when de-icing was rushed at an outstation. Another incident saw a baggage loader slip while pushing a cart that hadn’t been gritted for. Both events led to simple but powerful changes: better holdover time training and improved apron treatment checklists.
Every incident is a chance to level up. And this season, we’ll be capturing and sharing weekly winter safety insights via Wingsafe. If you see something, report it; more importantly, if you learn something, please share it!
Hopefully your winter preparations started quite a long time ago and you are not just waiting for the first sign of snow. It’s particularly important to know where to find all the applicable procedures that you’re going to need well in advance.
Let’s start winter with the right frame of mind. Slow things down, speak up and stay sharp. We’ve got a full season ahead and, together, we’ll handle it like pros.
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