Warm Weather EC130 Flying

[arismount]

How do you cope with hot weather conditions in the EC130? Has anybody got an STC for installation of any kind of manual ram air vents to aid in cabin cooling/ventilation? Our experience is that if the A/C goes out and the temperature is above 20C in daylight, it turns into a sweatbox.

[Capt Hollywood]

I've put around 500hrs on a couple of EC130s. On both aircraft the air conditioners were on as soon as the VEMD display switched to the FLI and we've never had a problem with the a/c. Have you had issues with yours?

CH :cool:

[eurocopter beans]

its the same in the 135, anything over 20 OAT and its sweaty time, unless you have an air con unit fitted i think you are stuck with it:\

[Capt Hollywood]

I'm a little surprised that people would buy either a 130 or a 135 without a/c. I can only imagine power margins or weight would be the reason not to have it, are people really operating that close to the margins?

CH :cool:

[victor papa]

Agree with Captain Hollywood. Our first EC130 has aircon and we would definately not operate without one and already decided to ensure all additional 130's will have aircon. Guess one can not have all that visibilty and no heat???:rolleyes: We so far had no power problems managing the aircon. Once everybody is in we run the aircon a minute or so to cool the cabin, switch off, take off and then switch on again. Worked like a charm at 2800ft, 40 degrees OAT. When in the B3 the crew automatically reach for a non existing switch. Makes for good laughter B4=limousine, B3=sport model.

[shimmersky]

we fly the 130 all day long in the desert heat of las vegas
all the ec 130`s are run with a/c on at all times at max gross weight
we turn it on before we go to flight
so as not to burn up the belts with aircraft at 100 percent

[Brilliant Stuff]

Being police our 135 does not have AC sadly. It would loose us 15 minutes flying since I am told the AC weighs 50kg.

[Gordy]

Brilliant stuff...

From what I remember it only ever got above 20 maybe twice a year in the UK anyway.... says he ducking for cover.....

[Brilliant Stuff]

El ninjo and friends put paid to that. :}