Directory Saturday Morning Coffee and WINGS – Aircraft Preconditioning

Interactive course

Saturday Morning Coffee and WINGS – Aircraft Preconditioning

Master cold-weather aircraft preheating for safety, compliance, and engine longevity

WINGS

Credit

interactive-course

Type

About this interactive course

This FAA WINGS-approved webinar covers aircraft preconditioning and preheating systems for cold-weather operations. Presented by Doug Evink, former owner of Tannis Aircraft Products, the course examines preheating fundamentals, system types (heated hangars, forced-air, multi-point, and sump systems), and the physics of moisture management in aircraft engines. Designed for both pilots and mechanics, this session emphasizes regulatory compliance, engine longevity, and safety in cold climates. Earn continuing education credit while mastering the critical knowledge needed to protect your aircraft and ensure safe operations year-round.

Who is this for?

  • Pilots operating aircraft in cold-weather climates seeking FAA WINGS credit
  • Aircraft mechanics and technicians responsible for engine maintenance
  • Flight schools and training organizations in northern regions
  • General aviation operators preparing for winter operations
  • Owners of experimental and certified aircraft in freeze-thaw environments

What's inside

4 segments
  1. 1
    Instructional Video
  2. 2
    Preheating Fundamentals and System Types
  3. 3
    Multi-Point and Sump Preheat Systems
  4. 4
    FAA WINGS Final Graded Assessment

Frequently asked

Is this course eligible for FAA WINGS credit?

Yes. This is an FAA WINGS-approved webinar. Upon successful completion of the graded assessment (70% or higher), you will earn continuing education credit. Credit is managed by the Skillfull platform in coordination with FAA WINGS.

What temperature triggers the need for aircraft preheating?

Engine manufacturers require preheating when the engine temperature is 20°F or below. However, aircraft begin to benefit from preheating below 50°F, and Tannis research found benefits even below 60°F in certain conditions.

What is the difference between Tannis and Rife multi-point systems?

Tannis heats from the inside out using threaded heating elements inside cylinders, warming the engine in 2–2.5 hours. Rife uses band heaters around the cylinder base, heating from outside in, which takes longer and may not reach the top of air-cooled cylinders as effectively.

Can I leave a Tannis preheat system plugged in continuously?

Yes. Tannis systems can be left plugged in because they maintain all components above the oil line warmer than the oil itself, preventing moisture condensation issues. Rife systems should not be left on continuously because they warm oil more than cylinders.

Why is moisture management important in preheating?

Water evaporates at any temperature, even below zero. When an engine cools, moisture condenses in the sump. Uneven preheating (warming oil more than cylinders) can cause moisture to re-evaporate into the upper engine, risking corrosion and wear. Multi-point systems that heat uniformly mitigate this risk.

How long does forced-air preheating take compared to multi-point systems?

Forced-air systems can take 6–24 hours or longer to achieve adequate oil temperature rise because they rely on limited electrical power (100–1000 watts) and lose much heat to airflow. Multi-point systems like Tannis achieve proper temperatures in 2–2.5 hours.