[b]Summer Heat[/b]

[Derek Kramer]

[Mike Foster]

Hi Derek,

I live in southern Cal. in the Inland desert region. It gets pretty toasty here as well (but it's a dry heat;^)).

I don't have AC, and haven't used one, but have two guys on my field that have and use the portable units. They both say the unit is effective, but isn't a great way to go unless you have the room for the cooler as well as whatever baggage you may have.

As far as size, the ones they have are the size of a medium cooler that one would take to the beach without getting a hernia. Sorry but qt. size of the cooler is not available to me here.

Judging from the opinions of these two friends, I would say go for it and get as large a unit as you think you can reasonably use on a consistent basis, given your normal mission profile.

Good luck, Mike

[Scott Ducey]

Every year I go to Oshkosh I see the folks with that portable unit. My impression is it is sorta big, and frankly it never seems really cold when they are displaying it at Oshkosh. This weekend I was flying Young Eagles in 90 degree weather. I still think the best AC is keeping that passenger door open. It is only during this time that I wish I had a single, as the prop blast is is too far away.

Best regards,

Scott

[John Wedge]

I purchased a "Kats Cooler" from Brett Tossell in Phoenix who builds them. It is a 38qt cooler. I have not used in plane yet - draws 5 amps and I am not sure my lighter plug will handle that and have not had time to try it before flying. I did try it in my extended cab truck on a hot Texas day - using regular bagged ice - not block ice - it kept me cool for 55 minutes before the ice melted. Kats has bigger fan than Artic has. You can compare info on both by googling on names.
John