Ridge flights in the spring can expose the sailplane to near freezing
conditions at ridge height ... or definitely during periods when you
have to climb as the temp drops quickly as altitude gained.

Many pilots add some anti-freeze if they expect to be in sub-freezing
conditions for any lenght of time. This is not as extreme as
automotive protection ... a light amount of antifreze (I add windshield
washer fluid to wing water and use 100% in the tail tank as the volume
is smaller and will freeze more quickly.) to depresses the freezing
point by 10 degress or so ... let say down to 20F. Sailplanes have no
heat ... so these temps can get pretty uncomfortable quickly ... i.e.
we don't stay there. :-) BTW, we have thermometers to measure outside
air temp.

So, we typically don't fly in extended freezing conditions with H20 ...
but may be in sub 32F conditions for a short time anticipatieng we will
be out quickly ... and will often add antifreeze if we expect some type
of possible longer exposure ... even if not extended.


KK

JohnWN in Burke, VA wrote:
I have only flown as a passenger once in a sailplane, and thus, will
ask the
obvious question. Is water blast used in temperatures where it is
likely to
freeze? If so, what is done to prevent this?

Thanks ...john