To A/C or to not A/C

[Capt_CrashN_Burn]

What do you think is the threshold at which A/C might be worth the loss in cruise speed and payload?? Lets assume that you're in a turbocharged Mooney and you'll cruise at an altitude where the ambient temp is much cooler. In order to justify A/C in a plane, would you have to spend most of your time at lower altitudes or if you lived in the desert somewhere, or is it's worth shown at busy airports where you might have to spend a fair amount of time on a hot tarmac??

[Bacachero]

I think its always best to get one of those portable air coolers, there are some opinions in this forum that they work great, practical, affordable,

[Immelman]

I hesitate to think, that in a light single engine airplane, that I'd ever want to spend the money and payload on air conditioning. I think we are often limited in useful load and performance as it is for that sort of creature comfort. When I fly in high temperatures I trade a 20 minute to a half hour of discomfort at most (taxi through climb to a cool altitude) for this, and that's a fair trade for me... but to each their own I say!

[N33GG]

I used to fly a Piper Archer that had factory AC.  The way it worked was an outside unit that hung down when you turned it on for cooling.  When you were on the ground and needed it most, it didn't get enough air flow to make it work.  In flight, it worked fairly well, but that is where you needed it least, especially once you were up to any altitude.  As you might imagine, it worked the best at altitude during cruise when you didn't need it at all.  Flying low altitude on a hot day, it really didn't do enough to be worth it.  On the surface, it sounded like a great idea, made for great marketing from the manufacturers, but it just wasn't that great.  And the weight penalty, not to mention the drag on the aircraft was horrible.  What a waste...IMHO.  

Now, AC on a cabin class turbine aircraft, now that is a different matter.  Works great on the ground or in the air.

I will never opt for AC on a light aircraft with recips.  Just my 2 cents worth. 

[N601RX]

http://www.mooneyspace.com/index.cfm?mainaction=posts&forumid=1&threadid=372

 

[Capt_CrashN_Burn]

Quote: N6719N

I used to fly a Piper Archer that had factory AC.  The way it worked was an outside unit that hung down when you turned it on for cooling.  When you were on the ground and needed it most, it didn't get enough air flow to make it work.  In flight, it worked fairly well, but that is where you needed it least, especially once you were up to any altitude.  As you might imagine, it worked the best at altitude during cruise when you didn't need it at all.  Flying low altitude on a hot day, it really didn't do enough to be worth it.  On the surface, it sounded like a great idea, made for great marketing from the manufacturers, but it just wasn't that great.  And the weight penalty, not to mention the drag on the aircraft was horrible.  What a waste...IMHO.  

Now, AC on a cabin class turbine aircraft, now that is a different matter.  Works great on the ground or in the air.

I will never opt for AC on a light aircraft with recips.  Just my 2 cents worth. 

[Capt_CrashN_Burn]

Quote: N601RX

http://www.mooneyspace.com/index.cfm?mainaction=posts&forumid=1&threadid=372

 

[docket]

I have the factory AC unit in my Eagle and except for the fact that the system has cost a lot of money to keep maintained it is a great addition.  No matter what you tell yourself there is nothing better than sitting on the ground in Dallas waiting for my IFR release in 100 degree weather and not breaking a sweat.  I know it adds weight and the scoop probably costs me a few miles an hour but my TAS at 8000 feet is always 184 kts.  if you are in the South and you use the plane for business transportation like I do, get AC and don't look back.

[DaV8or]

Quote: docket

if you are in the South and you use the plane for business transportation like I do, get AC and don't look back.

[N33GG]

Quote: docket

I have the factory AC unit in my Eagle and except for the fact that the system has cost a lot of money to keep maintained it is a great addition.  No matter what you tell yourself there is nothing better than sitting on the ground in Dallas waiting for my IFR release in 100 degree weather and not breaking a sweat.  I know it adds weight and the scoop probably costs me a few miles an hour but my TAS at 8000 feet is always 184 kts.  if you are in the South and you use the plane for business transportation like I do, get AC and don't look back.