I’m an admitted heat “heat wimp” how do you guys handle it?

LongRoadBob

LongRoadBob

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As I have aged, I’ve had a different reaction to really hot days. It drains me to the point where I can’t function.

There is a good chunk of time when you are on the ground and it is like a hotbox.
Opening doors can help, but are some of you folks just tough as nails and can handle any kind of heat? My CFI seems like he is immune.

I’ve even started (just now and then) turning off the AC in my car to get used to hotbox driving.
It’s kind of weird too, it’s only (standard) a few degrees per thousand feet, but it seems to make a big difference, almost ac when you are up at 3000 or so.

I can handle cold a lot better than hot. Still need understood folk moving to Florida when they retire but they mostly are in AC environments.
 
Yeah, it is hot down here is S. FL. I have many many years working outside and am pretty tolerant but at its worst here, after 30 minutes hard work in the sun, my heart rate is up even though I pace my movements and after about one and a half to two hours, I need to cool off for a bit.
 
Get a ice cooler AC. Use on ground ops and before you break through the heat ceiling. Turn it back on once you bust through the hot air layer on decent. Constant use, expect around an hour of cool air with block ice. 45 with cubes.
 
Palmpilot said:
Make sure you drink enough water.
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This makes a huge difference.

Don’t plan training flights for more than an hour in the heat. You just don’t learn once that exhaustion sets in. Fly early in the morning, schedule a second flight after a nice break in a cool location with plenty of fluids and a snack rather than flying one longer flight. Let the instructor take another student up in between.
 
The heat is why I'm waiting to get back to training after temps get cooler, I work in refrigeration, and do bodywork/welding, but I can't hardly mow yard in hot sun. So unsure how things will be for me, but my primary job is 30-50 degrees F all the time, hands so cold from handling meat almost numb. So heat feels worse for me
 
I'm also a flower who wilts quickly in the Texas heat.

Hydrate. Not just water, I like Gatorade or something with some electrolytes.
 
Drink water. Wear stuff that breathes - Thin khakis beat jeans.

I guess it is too late for you to try living in Houston for 4 decades. Thats what really worked for me.

Honestly i avoid flying mid-day in the summer.
 
You know, some people can take it and some can't. I have friend that absolutely cannot. I do not know, in his case, how much is mental because he says that he can't stand to sweat. LOL.
 
I can do heat just fine, but humidity is Satan's ballfunk and I can't be anywhere near that stuff.
 
Hydrate and acclimate. Shade and breeze is your friend.
 
SkyDog58 said:
I would imagine that all of the suggestions regarding water assume that he has exhausted his beer supply. :dunno:

:cheers:
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Water before, beer after!

I don’t mind sweating, it’s not my favorite thing, but other than sweating I notice I get slow, my mind gets bogged down and I dint react or think as well in the heat.

I guess too I am wary of hydrating (it’s stupid and I will do it again) because my third or fourth flight I drank a lot of water, and on the way back to the airport actually threw up, but it wasn’t that gross and I got it all in the bag, but it was 99% water.

Also, what kind of water bottle is useful in flying? The pressure difference has confused me, is it just to make sure to take the cap off on descent? Also now and then in climb?

I used to take a normal plastic water bottle, but it was either scrunched up or bloated here an there in the flight, and now have a training water bottle but am unsure if that is so smart because it has a relief “straw” built in, i picture me splashing the water all around the cockpit.

It’s weird, but I notice I get cottonmouth even just after the preflight, while still on the ground.
 
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After a week in Arkansas at 90+ with 90+ humidity, it sure is nice to be back in Tucson where is is 107 with 15% humidity. But it IS monsoon season now so we get the worst of both worlds often.
 
Ravioli said:
I'm also a flower who wilts quickly in the Texas heat.

Hydrate. Not just water, I like Gatorade or something with some electrolytes.
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I keep one of those massive 7-11 drink mugs, the ones that hold about 64 ounces and only cost a dollar to refill with Gatorade. I'll refill that joker about 3 times a day, peak of summer on the VA coast.
 
This is a flying specific answer. Minnesota is only hot hot for about 6wks and part of that has been downright humid too. So getting in the plane can be darned uncomfortable until it's running.

Your choice of driving with AC off isn't so funny, I often do that the last 5 or 10 minutes or so. Preflight is the worse because it's really hot in the hangar and no wind. So I just slow it down a bit.

I try to minimize the actual time in the plane from getting until startup. Ideally no more than 2 minutes. Get it started, open all vents, all windows and all doors...sitting right behind the biggest fan on all. Then I get on headsets, checklist, etc. Passenger door and windows don't get shut until just prior to take off. As soon as landed and clear of runway the window and doors get propped open again.

When it's really hot I soak a handkerchief in cold water, wring it out just slightly and wear around the neck.

We also have a small rechargeable fan, my daughter hand holds it and I would mount it with a RAM mount for my first CFI. These small handheld rechargeable fans will last an entire flight lesson.

Drink as much water as you dare during flying. On the superhot days you probsbly won't have to pee.

The AC in the car afterwards almost feels as awesome as the flight.
 
Sinst: 2764956 said:
This is a flying specific answer. Minnesota is only hot hot for about 6wks and part of that has been downright humid too. So getting in the plane can be darned uncomfortable until it's running.

Your choice of driving with AC off isn't so funny, I often do that the last 5 or 10 minutes or so. Preflight is the worse because it's really hot in the hangar and no wind. So I just slow it down a bit.

I try to minimize the actual time in the plane from getting until startup. Ideally no more than 2 minutes. Get it started, open all vents, all windows and all doors...sitting right behind the biggest fan on all. Then I get on headsets, checklist, etc. Passenger door and windows don't get shut until just prior to take off. As soon as landed and clear of runway the window and doors get propped open again.

When it's really hot I soak a handkerchief in cold water, wring it out just slightly and wear around the neck.

We also have a small rechargeable fan, my daughter hand holds it and I would mount it with a RAM mount for my first CFI. These small handheld rechargeable fans will last an entire flight lesson.

Drink as much water as you dare during flying. On the superhot days you probsbly won't have to pee.

The AC in the car afterwards almost feels as awesome as the flight.
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Instead of handkerchief, how about a chill headband? Dollar general carries, as well as all welding supply stores, soak in ice water, and helps, I wear when welding and outside work.
 
LongRoadBob said:
..
I guess too I am wary of hydrating (it’s stupid and I will do it again) because my third or fourth flight I drank a lot of water, and on the way back to the airport actually threw up, but it wasn’t that gross and I got it all in the bag, but it was 99% water.

Also, what kind of water bottle is useful in flying? The pressure difference has confused me, is it just to make sure to take the cap off on descent? Also now and then in climb?
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Hydration as a state and not an event will help prevent that from occurring again. For flights less than an hour, I don’t bring any water at all.

Longer than that, I usually have a small (pint) bottle for each hour. I don’t mess with straws or anything else. Just sip as required, not slam.
 
If your hydrating with Gatorade, make sure you also drink plenty of water. Gatorade alone is not good if you go to the extremes.
 
I have one of those B-kool and if you use block ice it stays cool for awhile! Big difference maker.
 
I can't stand it hot. About 80 degrees is my limit, and that is when inactive. I seem to suffer from excessive sweating, of course it took me all my life to figure that out and I still haven't bothered to seek medical attention regarding it. I think I prefer to avoid medical interventions if possible.

It has been close to record hot here today and I am now in bed with my cold water bottle. Fabulous. Mostly no A/C round this way.

If you are hot, use whatever technology you can to address it.

For me there is no other solution.

I'v not tried these yet but I am thinking about it.

http://www.techniche-intl.com
Several products

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SODIAL-Summer-Outdoor-Cooling-Baseball/dp/B00L8WSSJE/ref=asc_df_B00L8WSSJE
 
I essentially work outside year round.... hangar doors open most of the time. With the heat, you need to get water onboard before you get thirsty. Next time, try about a half liter of water as you get to the airport and finish it up as you are doing your preflight.

We have to constant remind guys and gals here to monitor each other for signs of heat exhaustion and to watch their own urine color. If one can start seeing much color, then you need water. Too much Gatoraide type stuff can be detrimental to you also. If you haven’t had to whizz in more than 2 hours or so, you need more water.

It’s not unusual in the summer for our hangars to still be over 100F at 3 am. Days like that and I may go thru 7 liters or more of water in a 7 hour shift.
 
LongRoadBob said:
There is a good chunk of time when you are on the ground and it is like a hotbox.
Opening doors can help, but are some of you folks just tough as nails and can handle any kind of heat? My CFI seems like he is immune.
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I just went out and got a disorder that makes heat related lethargy and feeling wiped out about 10 times worse than normal. It’s great! LOL.

Kidding of course. Haha. Well not really. :)

Sinistar said:
When it's really hot I soak a handkerchief in cold water, wring it out just slightly and wear around the neck.
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old_biker said:
Instead of handkerchief, how about a chill headband? Dollar general carries, as well as all welding supply stores, soak in ice water, and helps, I wear when welding and outside work.
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Those work REALLY well. Seconded and thirded.

And there’s also the “fly at the crack ass of dawn” thing too, if you can stand that. I hate it but there’s days... especially if you’re headed into the mountains around here... where you’d best be wheels up no later than 8AM at the very latest... and sunrise would be better.

Or fly at night if you can and are one of us “bold” pilots who’ll take that risk in a single. Summer nights are just awesome if you’re willing to stay up that late.

Luckily we don’t have humidity here but when I’ve flown to wetter climates, I will agree that’s completely miserable. I have no idea why humans want to live places where relative humidity is measured with two digits. :)
 
denverpilot said:
I just went out and got a disorder that makes heat related lethargy and feeling wiped out about 10 times worse than normal. It’s great! LOL.

Kidding of course. Haha. Well not really. :)



So

Those work REALLY well. Seconded and thirded.

And there’s also the “fly at the crack ass of dawn” thing too, if you can stand that. I hate it but there’s days... especially if you’re headed into the mountains around here... where you’d best be wheels up no later than 8AM at the very latest... and sunrise would be better.

Or fly at night if you can and are one of us “bold” pilots who’ll take that risk in a single. Summer nights are just awesome if you’re willing to stay up that late.

Luckily we don’t have humidity here but when I’ve flown to wetter climates, I will agree that’s completely miserable. I have no idea why humans want to live places where relative humidity is measured with two digits. :)
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Way back in 1995 or so I took my family back to the US for a trip. In the southwest somewhere we bought those headbands with something...not sure what, in the headband that when you wet them they cooled well down and stayed cool a pretty long time. Just a bandana soaked in cold water dry out in the southwest in minutes. It these stayed cool. We lost them somewhere and I didn’t even think about checking online. So they are called “chill headbands”? I’ve gotta try and buy a gross of them, maybe make a whole flight suit out :)

As I age I’m also terrrible in the morning. Takes me hours to get with it. We did fly the other day at nine a.m. and it wasn’t too bad. Unfortunately, thought it is kind of nice, here in Norway the sun stays up late...getting shorter now, but our airport also closes at 10 p.m. and they lock the gates at 11.

Water is the key as many say. Only thing is, if I fill up with water urination becomes a problem, and I had that one experience actually throwing up water (into a baggie) as I think I I overdid the water.

What about chewing gum? Can that help? I get parched even after the preflight on the ground. I’m not a gum chewer, but could start trying that maybe.
 
I'm good with heat, hate cold. Drink lots of water, if you're urine isn't totally clear, you're not hydrated enough. Wear light colored quick dry t-shirts and hiking shorts. That quick dry stuff wicks the sweat from you quickly and helps keep you cool.

Last week on a big motorcycle trip I had two days where the temps were 96-100*F, these tactics kept me going without undue discomfort.
 
QUOTE="LongRoadBob, post: 2765229, member: 27712"]Way back in 1995 or so I took my family back to the US for a trip. In the southwest somewhere we bought those headbands with something...not sure what, in the headband that when you wet them they cooled well down and stayed cool a pretty long time. Just a bandana soaked in cold water dry out in the southwest in minutes. It these stayed cool. We lost them somewhere and I didn’t even think about checking online. So they are called “chill headbands”? I’ve gotta try and buy a gross of them, maybe make a whole flight suit out :)

As I age I’m also terrrible in the morning. Takes me hours to get with it. We did fly the other day at nine a.m. and it wasn’t too bad. Unfortunately, thought it is kind of nice, here in Norway the sun stays up late...getting shorter now, but our airport also closes at 10 p.m. and they lock the gates at 11.

Water is the key as many say. Only thing is, if I fill up with water urination becomes a problem, and I had that one experience actually throwing up water (into a baggie) as I think I I overdid the water.

What about chewing gum? Can that help? I get parched even after the preflight on the ground. I’m not a gum chewer, but could start trying that maybe.[/QUOTE]
I'll look for a correct name tonight on headbands, but any welding supply store would know what you meant. I did buy a few new ones from DG, closeout on that brand, but i really like them.
 
I don’t do too hot or too cold. Flying is supposed to be enjoyable not miserable. I don’t have to do it work, so if I am going to either freeze, or sweat to death I’ll just not go.
 
LongRoadBob said:
I can handle cold a lot better than hot.
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I understand that, I have never passed out from being too cold...

I used to drive truck before A/C was mandatory in commercial trucks. I had a cooler I would fill with ice and a little water. I kept two bath towels with me. One in the cooler getting soaked with cold water, the other I would either put on my head or over my shoulders until it got warm, then switch towels.

Later in life to beat the heat I used to go to Alaska for summers. I spent several winters flying in Alaska, so now when the snow falls, I head south.
 
I checked the "sliding canopy" box when I ordered my -9A kit. On those 100-degree days, it helps immensely to roll that suckah back as soon as I clear the runway. :)

Hydration is the number one answer, but other suggestions: Wear a golf shirt with the newer breathable fabrics, and/or go on a long cross-country where you can cruise at 10,500' or something. Cools down real nice at FL100.
 
I grew up in the deep south, where the temperature and humidity are the same number in the summer months. Staying hydrated is really important to coping with the heat. I've been up north for decades now, where it used to be cooler in the summer months, but with climate change the hot summer weather has advanced north. (We've gained a whole garden zone in about two decades.) If I wanted 90 degree heat and humidity, I'd move back to Alabama.

One of the nice things about Grummans is that the A/C is only a canopy slide away. But the transition from cruise at 40-50F to approach at 90F is still and UGH moment, even if you slide open the canopy for more air circulation.
 
A pal of mine told me that he never climbed to a specific altitude. He climbed to 16 degrees C. (Hang the head winds)
 
I'm with OP. I am at the end of my training (checkride next) and the few times I've gone in 95+ heat here in Northern VA have been brutal. Was up doing ACS maneuver practice and that all went well, but after 1.5 hours of that practicing short field landings pretty much sucked since I was exhausted from the heat and dehydrated from not drinking enough of the water I brought.

Lesson for me - try to fly in the morning, drink water and leave the windows open until getting takeoff clearance.

I flew pattern this morning starting at 8 before the heat built up and I it was so much more pleasant. (oh and I forgot to shut the window on takeoff three or so... that was actually pretty nice with all that air flowing).
 
This is my biggest concern with relocating. I’m always considering completing the next phase of my training in central Florida or Phoenix where I hear are optimum for flying daily. I’m from the northeast and not sure how I’d adjust to the change in climate. I wonder how the folks who’ve made the move to hotter locations adapt.
 
I like the OP and others dislike heat. I can tolerate it sort of. My wife says I get cranky and impatient, especially about waiting for AC :).


Anyway, I have a hot/cold pack designed to help pain in your lower back. I bought an oversized gel cold pack which I freeze and put in there. This keeps me fairly comfortable until the temps start getting into the 90s. At which point it just helps.

Tim

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