Snow-covered surface operations

Separate limits for wheels versus skis or floats.

Wheels on snow:

• Deep snow has almost invariably caused the aircraft to nose over (AIR 2.12.4).
• Do not land on snow unless first determined it is not a hazard (AIR 2.12.4).

Skis or floats on snow (AIR 2.12.5):

• Float-equipped aircraft and flying boats: only snow surfaces pilot and operator have confirmed safe by previous tests or experimental flights in that aircraft type.
• Snow must be deep and firm, not drifted or heavily crusted.
• Passengers should not be carried.
• Do not fly with ice or snow adhering to float or hull underside.

Post-flight inspection (after every flight from snow): the float or hull bottom, all struts and fittings, all wing fittings and bracing, and the wing tip floats and fittings (AIR 2.12.5(c)).

Trap: treating "some snow" as safe for wheels. Rule is a pre-landing snow-amount judgement, not go/no-go by aircraft type.

Practice