Winter Ops: Check the Tire Pressure

Michelin recommends checking tire pressure prior to every flight. While that may not be practical, it is highly recommend you check your air pressure whenever there is a significant change in temperature.

A sudden drop in ground temperatures can significantly impact your tire pressures.

From the Michelin Aircraft Tire Care and Service Manual:

“Changes in ambient temperature will cause a corresponding change in inflation pressure (gauge pressure). A 3°C (5°F) decrease in temperature will result in a 1% decrease in inflation pressure. An increase in temperature will cause a corresponding increase in the inflation pressure. (Example: A temperature drop of 28°C (50°F) will result in a pressure loss of 10%.)”

Bill Repucci
Bill Repucci
Bill Repucci earned his Private Pilot certificate back in the days when the written exam was completed with a No. 2 pencil. Told at the time that he now held a “license to learn,” Bill took that advice to heart—discovering along the way that aviation is full of lessons.

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Cardinal_Sinner
Cardinal_Sinner
23 days ago

I bought some tire caps with pressure sensors in them. The sensors transmit temp and pressure info to a small screen that plugs into the airplane’s 12V lighter socket. The unit provides an audible alarm when pressure drops below a pre-set value. It was around $40 and is a great alternative to checking tire pressure, especially if you have wheel pants.