AOPA Pilot Magazine - July 2011 - 100

PILOTPRODUCTS

VISION
What’s waiting for you out there? Comprehensive in- ight weather data from XM WX Satellite Weather delivers the full scope of your surroundings with radar, lightning, winds aloft and more. Enjoy enhanced situational awareness and e ciency while you y. Make XM WX a permanent part of your cockpit. And never fly blind again.

AS VITAL AS

Arctic Air Real Air Conditioner
Raise your hand if you think the worst part of summer flying is the 10 minutes spent on the ground prior to takeoff. Yes, getting “the fan” started can help, but my jealousy for those with air conditioning runs green at times. The Arctic Air Real Air Conditioner unit was made for pilots like me. It’s an “installed” unit for any airplane with a baggage compartment large enough to handle it. Unlike the company’s ice-chest models that need a new supply of ice, the Real Air Conditioner is just what it sounds like—a larger, heavier unit that directs cold air created by the ship’s power. The unit sits in the baggage compartment and uses a long, curved hose to direct air over the rear seats and onto the passengers (molded ceiling ductwork is available on some models). It also requires a vent hose, which can often be cut through the rear bulkhead; and a condensation reservoir, which can remain inside the aircraft for periodic disposal, or drain through a vent tube in the bottom of the airplane. Three units are available—a 200 cubic-feet-perminute, single-fan, 12-volt model, a 200 CFM, single-fan, 24-volt model; and a 400 CFM, dual-fan, 24-volt model. Those CFM measurements refer to how much air the unit turns over. In a standard four-person airplane, the 200 CFM model exchanges all of the cabin’s air every minute. Both of the 200-CFM models weigh
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Hardware and required monthly subscription sold separately. Subscription fee is consumer only. Other fees and taxes, including a one-time activation fee, may apply. All programming fees and weather data are subject to change. XM WX weather data displays and individual product availability vary by hardware equipment. Reception of the XM signal may vary depending on location. Subscriptions subject to Customer Agreement included with the XM Welcome Kit and available at xmradio.com and are available only in the 48 contiguous United States. XM WX is a trademark of XM WX Satellite Radio Inc. The XM WX service is not for “safety for life”, but is merely supplemental and advisory in nature, and therefore cannot be relied upon as safety-critical in connection with any aircraft or other usage. XM is not responsible for accidents resulting from or associated with use of the XM WX Service. Contact XM WX Satellite Radio by phone at 800.985.9200 to subscribe to XM WX Weather. ©2010

42 pounds, while the 400-CFM model weighs 50 pounds. But the beauty of the Arctic Air system is that it can be easily removed. Simply unplug it and take it out. A lack of versatility is why many owners opt not to have factory air conditioning, and it’s a big reason why this system makes sense. The other reason is that it just plain works. We tested the Arctic Air Real Air Conditioner in a Cirrus SR22 on a day in the mid-80s. Anyone who’s flown a Cirrus can attest to the greenhouse effect it causes and the stifling interior temperatures with the doors closed. But the Arctic Air cooled the airplane off within just a minute or two, and kept it cool the entire flight. Best of all, it can be used during all phases of flight. Pros: • Cools the airplane quickly • Ability to remove from aircraft • Requires little maintenance Cons: • Although not heavy, there is a weight penalty • A bit pricey • Takes up baggage space Who: Arctic Air Real Air Conditioner What: Powerful air conditioning that requires little maintenance Where: www.arcticaircooler.com; 229-271-7905 Why: Because you want a/c, you need a/c How much: $4,600 to $4,750

100 • JULY

2011

http://www.XMWXWEATHER.com http://www.XMWXWEATHER.com http://www.arcticaircooler.com http://www.xmradio.com

AOPA Pilot Magazine - July 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - July 2011