When I started the build, I promised my wife we would have an air conditioner. I have since waffled a bit on that promise as costs are adding up, and I was thinking the overhead console with rear NACA vents might be enough. After this very hot summer of not flying GA primarily because of the miserable thought of getting in the airplane, and then finally our annual trip to Port Aransas really convinced me that we need it. I realized an AC was more than a convenience, it is a safety issue in Texas. If I'm discouraged from flying all summer because of the heat, then I won't be proficient in the fall when we want to make trips. Not to mention not utilizing the airplane for 4 months out of the year is a real waste and it's only going to get hotter. Maybe more important, what is the point of having the airplane if I'm always going to be apologizing to my passengers with some vague wishful thinking that it cools off once we get to altitude. So, I'm pulling the trigger on the AC and making good on the promise I made to her, and myself, at the beginning of the build.

Now is the time to make the install before I close up anything in the fuselage.

Reached out to Airflow Systems and got some details on their latest system. It seems they have made some upgrades over the years, and the new system fully integrates into an Aerosport overhead console, as well as still providing rear bulkhead vents. The whole install looks very well developed and doable. Also the weight is listed quite a bit less than previously at 46 lbs. I got these install photos from them along with a link to a cool 3D model that shows the install.

https://a360.co/3XT9Fen

Sent a deposit. 7 week lead time.