remove air con to gain extra useful load on Ovation?

[FJC]

Does anyone have any opinions on whether AC removal to gain 80 or so lbs would be worth it on an Ovation? I need the weigh capacity and I'm seeing a few of with AC which in the older ones isnt too useful given the AD on the operation anyway. I'd like to reclaim the weight but it could be sacrilege to remove it. Thoughts?

 

Freddy

 

 

[carusoam]

For a plane you don’t own?

Or one you have already?

Installing and/or removing the AC is going to take a fair amount of experience, not found in many places...

To get the most value out of it... park it next to my plane while they are getting their annuals done....   

Just kidding...

-a-

[FJC]

For those I'm thinking about. I cannot find anything so am having to flex on requirements.

Hey, find me a good plane and I'll follow you around like a lap dog!

 

Edited January 6, 2021 by FJC

[PeteMc]

Didn't think AC was part of the base aircraft, but an OPTION that has an STC which ALLOWS it to be installed?

Wouldn't it fall under the same rules as installing a Merlyn Wastegate on a K, then later deciding to remove it?  It's not a required item, but one that has been approve to be installed.

[LANCECASPER]

Paying extra money for an airplane with an expensive option only to turn around to pay labor to remove that option doesn't make a lot of sense. Find the airplane that has the only the expensive options, if any, that you want. 

[Guest]

I have an Ovation in my shop now that has had the air conditioning system removed at some point in its life.  It can be done.

Clarence

[carusoam]

@FJC Freddy, looks like Doc has most of the answer to your question...

Its been done before...

Best regards,

-a-

[StevenL757]

  On 1/6/2021 at 5:15 AM, LANCECASPER said:

Paying extra money for an airplane with an expensive option only to turn around to pay labor to remove that option doesn't make a lot of sense. Find the airplane that has the only the expensive options, if any, that you want. 

Expand  

 

  On 1/6/2021 at 11:49 AM, M20Doc said:

I have an Ovation in my shop now that has had the air conditioning system removed at some point in its life.  It can be done.

Clarence

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Agree with both of these.

CAN it be done?  Yes.  Does it make sense financially?  No.  Look for an Ovation without AC.

[Mooney217RN]

Personally, I think the A/C is a waste of money, in addition to weight.  I have been in an aircraft with air conditioning and the a/c was weak.  You want cooler air?  Fly higher.

[Guest]

  On 1/6/2021 at 1:42 PM, StevenL757 said:

 

Agree with both of these.

CAN it be done?  Yes.  Does it make sense financially?  No.  Look for an Ovation without AC.

Expand  

With the limited supply, it may be the only option to getting a decent Ovation.  Removal of the AC would be cheaper than sending the plane for an avionics refit.

Clarence

[geoffb]

A36?  210?  As much as I love Mooneys, if you need to carry stuff they aren't the best choice.

[LANCECASPER]

  On 1/6/2021 at 5:12 PM, Mooney217RN said:

Personally, I think the A/C is a waste of money, in addition to weight.  I have been in an aircraft with air conditioning and the a/c was weak.  You want cooler air?  Fly higher.

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Are you going to use the Air Conditioning every day? No.

However, the days you do use it, it's awfully hard to beat, especially if you live in or ever travel to the South. Most people that claim that the A/C is weak haven't been trained to turn off the fresh air vents. The 25,000 BTU version of Mooney A/C has more than enough cooling capacity. I understand they also made a smaller BTU version. If it's not keeping up, like anything else, it needs to be serviced. I had an Ovation with the 25,000 BTU version and since I live in Texas, that was my favorite feature of the airplane. I am putting in a portable A/C unit in my Bravo before this years hot weather hits.

[LANCECASPER]

  On 1/6/2021 at 3:34 AM, FJC said:

Does anyone have any opinions on whether AC removal to gain 80 or so lbs would be worth it on an Ovation? I need the weigh capacity and I'm seeing a few of with AC which in the older ones isnt too useful given the AD on the operation anyway. I'd like to reclaim the weight but it could be sacrilege to remove it. Thoughts?

 

Freddy

 

 

Expand  

If you buy the Mooney with A/C at least fly it a year before you make the decision to remove it.

[FJC]

  On 1/6/2021 at 7:14 PM, LANCECASPER said:

Are you going to use the Air Conditioning every day? No.

However, the days you do use it, it's awfully hard to beat, especially if you live in or ever travel to the South. Most people that claim that the A/C is weak haven't been trained to turn off the fresh air vents. The 25,000 BTU version of Mooney A/C has more than enough cooling capacity. I understand they also made a smaller BTU version. If it's not keeping up, like anything else, it needs to be serviced. I had an Ovation with the 25,000 BTU version and since I live in Texas, that was my favorite feature of the airplane. I have putting in a portable A/C unit in my Bravo before this years hot weather hits.

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Interesting comment...what capacities were installed on which? Anyone know? 25,000 BTU's is enough to cool 1000 square feet!! Thank you.

Edited January 6, 2021 by FJC

[V1VRV2]

I was told by a friend that the Ovation flies surprisingly well overweight. I told him to never to do that! 

[carusoam]

FJC,

I sent an invite for you to a thread that has an O without AC for sale...

It has a bargain price for the low hours that it has...

A real unique opportunity.

Best regards,

-a-

[FJC]

  On 1/6/2021 at 11:10 PM, V1VRV2 said:

I was told by a friend that the Ovation flies surprisingly well overweight. I told him to never to do that! 

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Haha...various birds have told me the 252 flies well overweight as well!  

[Steve2]

Wait until you're told that you're #8 for departure at KADS in July and you have no AC.............