Winter flying on VATSIM isn’t just about snow on the ground — it changes how we plan, brief, taxi, communicate, and fly. In today’s S.O.A.R article we will discuss the effects the most wonderful time of the year has on aviation and how it can be simulated on VATSIM.
Cold weather introduces additional risks: aircraft contamination, slippery surfaces, reduced visibility, and performance limitations that can easily catch pilots off guard if not properly anticipated.
1. De-icing & Anti-icing
When de-icing is required:
- Frost, snow, or ice on wings or control surfaces
- Freezing precipitation (snow, freezing rain, sleet)
- Long delays in freezing temperatures
- Visible contamination after taxi or holding
Where de-icing takes place:
- At the gate/stand, or
- At dedicated de-icing pads/aprons (some airports allow only pad de-icing)
On VATSIM, procedures vary by airport and vACC. Always check:
- vACC briefing material (if available)
- Airport charts / briefing pages
- Controller instructions
Fluids & procedures:
- Type I: Heated, thin fluid
- Removes existing snow, ice, or frost
- Can be used alone (one-step procedure)
- Removes existing snow, ice, or frost
- Type IV: Thick, sticky fluid
- Applied after Type I (two-step procedure)
- Protects against new contamination while awaiting departure
- Applied after Type I (two-step procedure)
Holdover Time (HOT):
Holdover Time is the estimated period during which anti-icing fluid remains effective after application.
If HOT expires before takeoff, de-icing must be repeated.
2. Runway & Taxiway Conditions
Understanding braking action, RWYCC, and surface contamination.
Surface contamination affects:
- Takeoff distance
- Landing distance
- Directional control
Runway Condition Codes (RWYCC):
| Code | Condition |
| 6 | Dry |
| 5 | Damp / Frost |
| 4 | Compacted snow (good) |
| 3 | Slippery wet |
| 2 | Slush / ice (poor) |
| 1 | Ice (very poor) |
| 0 | Nil braking |
Important detail:
Runways are reported in three sections:
- Touchdown zone
- Midpoint
- Stop end
These codes may differ across the runway.
Example (SNOWTAM – EETN):
RWY 08 condition code 5/5/5
Dry snow reported on all three sections
Other valid examples:
- 4/5/5
- 3/3/2
Example phraseology:
ABC123: “Ground, ABC123, request runway condition.”
Ground: “ABC123, runway 08 condition code five five five, braking action good.”
3. Low Visibility Operations (LVO)
Taxi, approach, and landing with reduced visibility.
Expect:
- Stop bars in use
- Reduced taxi speed (pilot discretion)
- Increased spacing
- Delayed clearances
- Higher workload
Example:
Ground: “ABC123, taxi to holding point runway 27, caution icy taxiways.”
4. Winter Performance Considerations
Expect:
- Longer takeoff rolls on snow or slush
- Reduced braking effectiveness on landing
- Increased stall risk with wing contamination
- Fuel temperature considerations at cruise
- Stiffer flight controls
Example landing phraseology:
Tower: “ABC123, runway 27 cleared to land, caution icy surface, braking action medium.”
Final Notes
Winter operations on VATSIM aim to balance realism and practicality.
Procedures may differ significantly between airports and vACCs, so always review local briefing material and follow controller instructions.