Air Conditioner Effects On Airplane Performance - Piper CHEROKEE CRUISER PA-28-140 Information Manual

CHEROKEE CRUISER
Air Conditioner Controls
AIR CONDITIONER EFFECTS ON AIRPLANE PERFORMANCE
Operation of the air conditioner will cause slight decreases in the cruise speed and range of
the Cherokee 140. Power from the engine is required to run the compressor, and the condenser
door, when extended, causes a slight increase in drag. When the air conditioner is turned off
there is normally no measurable difference in climb, cruise or range performance of the airplane.
NOTE
To insure maximum climb performance the air conditioner must
be turned off manually before takeoff to disengage the
compressor and retract the condenser door. Also the air
conditioner must be turned off manually before the landing
approach in preparation for a possible go-around.
Although the cruise speed and range are only slightly affected by the air conditioner
operation, these changes should be considered in preflight planning. To be conservative, the
following figures assume that the compressor is operating continuously while the airplane is
airborne. This will be the case only in extremely hot weather.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
ISSUED: JULY 6,1973 7-9