Just completed 3000 mile trip in company with a/c version R44II and my machine hasn't air, no noticeable difference in fuel consumption. In fact the a/c equipped was 3-5 knts faster for same indicated manifold pressure and similar weight. Raven I with us pulled 1-2 more map and had one extra pax used 6-7 lts extra for each leg but kept up with us RII's no problem.