Cold Weather Propeller Operation

[WebMaster]

I read an interesting article, recently, about cold weather operations. In it the author says that the oil in the prop does not readily mix with the engine oil. During a normal shutdown, oil is trapped in the prop. That oil would then not heat up, as readily, as the engine oil.

If the engine oil temp is coming off the mark, getting warm, it is possible that the oil in the prop is still too cold to permit normal operations.

It just sounded right to me, and I thought I would pass it along.

[John Hoffman]

I was taught to cycle the prop 3 times on the first takeoff of the day to get fresh and warm oil in the hub also verifies feathering action.

[WebMaster]

yes i think we all were taught that.
However, if the airplane is really cold, the suggestion is to slowly move the prop lever a small amount, several times, to help that process of warming the oil. Then, after you have done that, go ahead and cycle the props to feather.