Winter Operations Reference Card
AMERICAN VIRTUAL AIRLINES / FLIGHT SIMULATION USE ONLY
WINTER OPERATIONS REFERENCE CARD
01 NOV 2026 • FLEETWIDE WEATHER REFERENCE
1. Preflight weather scan
METAR | Operational meaning |
SN / +SN | Snow / heavy snow |
FZRA / FZDZ | Freezing rain / freezing drizzle |
PL / GR / GS | Ice pellets / hail / small hail or snow pellets |
BLSN / DRSN | Blowing snow / drifting snow |
FG / FZFG | Fog / freezing fog |
RVR / runway condition | Use runway-specific observation, braking reports and performance inputs |
2. Holdover reference selection
Use the current FAA 2026–2027 tables, not a fixed value on this card. FAA Table 57 assists in snowfall intensity determination by visibility; Type I tables distinguish predominately aluminum and composite critical surfaces. Type II/III/IV tables depend on particular fluid characteristics.
3. Restricted conditions
Heavy snow, ice pellets, freezing rain and mixed precipitation require careful review of FAA table limitations. A red or “no HOT” table entry is not authorization to depart after an arbitrary interval. Apply only an authorized pathway or re-treat.
4. Taxi / takeoff / landing
Check contamination on surfaces, taxiways and runway. Reassess braking and takeoff/landing distances using model-specific performance information. Account for deteriorating conditions, rejected-takeoff exposure, crosswind, alternate availability and diversion.
5. Reminders
HOT begins with the start of final anti-icing application. Changes in precipitation and temperature matter. Clean-aircraft verification is a separate requirement. Type-specific FCOM/QRH controls engine anti-ice, wing anti-ice, flap positioning and engine run-up.
6. Reference index
Attachment: FAA 2026–2027 HOT Tables. Supporting: FAA Ground Deicing Program General Information; AAVA Deice/Anti-Ice Procedures; aircraft-family Cold Weather Operations manuals.