Generally speaking, I do. If I'll be going back in shortly, I'll leave it on, but if its going to be 30 or more minutes, I turn it off. When I exit the clouds on an approach, I turn it off just prior to landing, so no one burns themselves when I get to the ramp. If near minimums, I will leave it on in case I have to go missed.
@@pfflying6275 I usually turn it off, too. I used to be ultra paranoid about leaving pitot heat on while on the ground, but just yesterday a Cirrus rep told me that it heats up to a lower temperature when on the ground than when in the air. Perhaps this means it wouldn’t melt itself or hurt someone who touches it, but it is also probably still very good practice to remember to have it off while on the ground.
@brandonham That's interesting. Doing my preflight, I can tell you that it gets VERY HOT and while it may be less, it can definitely hurt someone. My biggest concern is I will forget some day. But like when I flew a retract, it remains in the forefront of my mind when I fly. Part of my descent check list is to plan for Pitot Heat. And I will repeat my GUMPSS check multiple times on my approach to the airport.
wow amazing views, especially over O'Hare
It always makes me smile.
Do you usually leave pitot heat off if not in the clouds?
Generally speaking, I do. If I'll be going back in shortly, I'll leave it on, but if its going to be 30 or more minutes, I turn it off. When I exit the clouds on an approach, I turn it off just prior to landing, so no one burns themselves when I get to the ramp. If near minimums, I will leave it on in case I have to go missed.
@@pfflying6275 I usually turn it off, too. I used to be ultra paranoid about leaving pitot heat on while on the ground, but just yesterday a Cirrus rep told me that it heats up to a lower temperature when on the ground than when in the air. Perhaps this means it wouldn’t melt itself or hurt someone who touches it, but it is also probably still very good practice to remember to have it off while on the ground.
@brandonham That's interesting. Doing my preflight, I can tell you that it gets VERY HOT and while it may be less, it can definitely hurt someone. My biggest concern is I will forget some day. But like when I flew a retract, it remains in the forefront of my mind when I fly. Part of my descent check list is to plan for Pitot Heat. And I will repeat my GUMPSS check multiple times on my approach to the airport.