With prices for installed aircraft air conditioning systems at $30,000 and climbing, it’s not surprising that owners are looking for less expensive cooling options. One we’ve explored is a portable aircraft cooler made from modern ice chests that uses a fan to blow air across a heat exchanger full of cold water from ice—never dry ice—to circulate cool air through the cabin.
After testing a few types on hot days we came to the conclusion that for a pilot who is willing to deal with getting ice and water to the unit and load it correctly, then lift as much as 65 pounds and maneuver the unit it into the baggage compartment or back seat, and having reasonable expectations as to the volume of cool air produced, the units do a pretty good job. After all, one pound of ice only provides 144 BTUs of cooling versus 7000 to 15,000 BTUs from installed air conditioners.