Planning for Winter in August Sets the Stage for Safer, Smoother Operations
It’s summer. The tarmac is hot, the sunscreen is out, and the last thing on most minds is blowing snow and icy runways. But for some airports, winter operations planning is already underway—and it’s not just prudent, it’s essential.
At Acclivix, we’re preparing Winter Operations Training that we’ll deliver in August for a forward-thinking client. Their strategy? Get ahead of the curve while others are still in beach mode.
The reality is: winter is coming. And the best time to prepare isn’t when the first snowflake falls—it’s now.
❄️ The Case for Summer Planning
Winter operations are among the most safety-critical and logistically complex functions of airport life. Delays, accidents, airside incidents, and even regulatory non-compliance often trace back to poor planning. By starting in summer, airport executives give themselves time to:
Review and revise procedures without pressure.
Train existing and new personnel comprehensively.
Prepare equipment and stock supplies.
Coordinate with stakeholders for alignment and readiness.
Run tabletop exercises to rehearse response scenarios.
Planning early isn't just wise—it’s a strategic advantage that reduces operational risk and enhances confidence across the airport system.
🛠️ 1. Consult with the Whole Airport Community
Effective winter operations require coordination beyond just the airfield maintenance crew. Engage:
Airlines for flight schedule planning and de-icing protocols.
ATC for snow plan coordination and NOTAM readiness.
Airport tenants for ramp and landside snow handling expectations.
Emergency services for incident preparedness and access during storms.
Contractors who may be responsible for parts of your snow plan.
Bring them together now, while everyone has capacity to contribute and align. You’re building a team, not just a plan.
📑 2. Review and Revise Your Winter Operations Plan
Is your Winter Operations Plan a living document or a dusty binder? Summer is the time to:
Review last season’s performance and lessons learned.
Update procedures in line with regulatory guidance (Regulations and Advisory Circulars).
Refine snow clearing priorities, timing, and coordination protocols.
Confirm roles, contact lists, and escalation processes.
Don’t wait for a snow day to discover your plan needs edits.
🧯 3. Conduct a Winter Safety Review
Go beyond operations—evaluate safety performance. Key actions:
Review incident reports from last winter: slips and falls, vehicle strikes, delays, de-icing errors.
Analyze hazard reports and near-misses to detect trends.
Run a hazard identification risk assessment (HIRA) session with your team.
Update your Safety Risk Profile with winter-specific threats.
This proactive review can help prevent repeat occurrences and ensure compliance with your SMS.
🧊 4. Prep Your Fleet, Supplies, and Infrastructure
Every snow event is a stress test on your gear. Now’s the time to:
Inspect all snow removal equipment (SRE): brooms, blowers, plows, loaders.
Test pre-wet and anti-icing systems on your fleet.
Inventory sand, de-icing fluids, and glycol management capacity.
Schedule repairs or procurement of additional equipment—lead times can be long.
Also consider:
Marking and protecting airfield infrastructure before the ground is frozen.
Ensuring airside lighting and signage are in good condition, visible and cold-weather rated.
🧑🏫 5. Plan and Schedule Training (Initial and Recurrent)
You wouldn’t wait for a snowstorm to train your team. But some airports do just that.
Schedule Winter Operations Training now for both returning and new staff.
Include vehicle ops, radio procedures, wildlife management, and condition reporting familiarization.
Incorporate regulatory refreshers, including friction measurement and reporting.
Use scenario-based drills and tabletop exercises to build competence and confidence.
Training is not just a compliance checkbox—it’s your frontline defense.
✅ 6. Get Your Reporting Tools Ready
Accurate runway condition reporting is crucial for safe operations and compliance with GRF and regulatory requirements.
That’s why we’ve partnered with Snowbird—the original Made-in-Canada app for runway condition reporting.
Snowbird makes it easy for your team to:
Conduct accurate runway assessments
Generate GRF-compliant condition reports
Submit AMSCR data quickly and securely
You can explore more at www.snowbird.aero, and we’re happy to offer you a free, no-obligation demo.
❄️ Executive Checklist for Summer Winter Ops Prep
Here’s a quick-hit guide for executive action:
✅ Have we reviewed and updated our Winter Operations Plan?
✅ Are we scheduling and resourcing Winter Ops training?
✅ Has our safety team reviewed last winter’s incidents and hazards?
✅ Do we have adequate supplies, fuel, and equipment maintenance scheduled?
✅ Have we involved tenants, ATC, and key stakeholders in the planning process?
✅ Are our runway condition reporting tools ready and compliant?
🧠 Winter Starts with Leadership
Leadership isn’t about reacting when the snow falls. It’s about preparation, anticipation, and empowering your team. By investing time now, you avoid costly missteps later.
You set the tone. If your planning starts early, so will your team's. If you prioritize safety and preparation in summer, you’ll deliver smoother operations in winter.
And isn’t that the goal?
We’d love to help - reach out to us today and let’s start a conversation around your winter ops needs.