LML Gang,

With all the discussion of structural integrity compromises of the IV-P fuselage by cutting air conditioning holes, I have a question for you seasoned IV-P drivers…  How necessary is air conditioning in this aircraft?

I have been flying my 320 for almost 9 years now and certainly would love to have had it during ground operations on hot summer days with the green house canopy.  However, once moving and at altitude, there is no need.  I realize that the IV-P is going to have warmer air because of the pressurization but it is also typically flying much higher (colder ambient) and it doesn’t have the bubble canopy.

So, in normal cross country cruise operations above FL180, do any of you that don’t have A/C *really* wish that you had it?

I’m early in the building of my IV-P and don’t want to put it in for several reasons:

·         Weight

·         Potential structural issues

·         Cost

·         One more thing to break down the road

I live in Colorado and will be using this plane as a cross country traveler with my wife, so comfort is certainly a factor but not at all costs.  One thought is to get one of those cooler-with-ice-and-a-fan systems to toss in the back seat for those few days that are very hot.

I appreciate your input.

Dan Olsen

Fort Collins, CO

N320DK – 640hrs

IV-P – 10% done