Well, as far as I’m concerned, winter is the worst season ever invented!!! I know, it wasn’t invented by us, but it was invented by a woman! 
Just kidding ladies, but Mother Nature can definitely let you know who’s boss really quickly.
Last night was the first night I had really seen many clouds since Wednesday, when I first came back on. Mother Nature definitely let me know who was boss and how quickly she can change her mind. Once I departed, I was in the clouds all night, and didn’t see the ground until right before I landed all night. Those kind of nights are what earn the freight dawgs and all professional pilots their true value.
Last night was the first true icing of the season for me, also. It’s going to be an ugly winter. I don’t care what the weather guessers and locals say. It’s going to be nasty. How can I be so sure of this? Well, I am a Texan, who lives in Florida, and based in Minnesota. These parts have had mild winters for the last few years, and they are due for what I consider “hell”. I guess I’ll make the best of it, and who knows, I may even try skiing for the first time in my life, since I’m up here anyways.
So, if you start seeing me getting grouchier and sounding like a grumpy old man, just consider how much I like this weather.
I won’t get into the particulars of icing and the Caravan, but I will say it’s a safe airplane and as long as the pilot has a clue, it shouldn’t be a factor. I flew it all last winter with no problems. We’ll see how this winter goes.
I think you’re wrong about the upcoming winter. It’s unseasonably crappy right now, but I think it’s going to end up being mild.
I’m looking forward to reading stories about dealing with icing — yikes.
-C.
Christine…we shall see. I hope everybody else is right. If not, you’ll get to read some of my tales. Of course, I have to save some for the eventual book, but I’ll try to keep y’all entertained.