One of the common misconceptions about flying in an enclosed-cockpit aircraft is that the higher you go, the cooler it will be inside. This is not necessarily correct. In fact, most of the time an airframe will incorporate large plexiglass windows, and on a warm day within a few minutes the cockpit can feel like a sauna—even with the air vents open. After an hour or two you will start to feel like Icarus flying too close to the sun, as the heat saps your energy and focus. For this reason pilots are always looking for ways to cool down as they fly.
Portable Air Conditioning System
There are some aircraft that have air conditioning as an option. However, most do not—but if your aircraft has an engine-driven electrical system and a back seat, you might want to consider getting a portable air conditioning unit for your aircraft. Arctic Air makes two portable air conditioning units: a 38 qt, single-fan design, and a 52 qt, dual-fan model.
