Cabin Heating and cooling systems provide conditioned air for comfortable operations during various weather conditions
Cabin heat is the system used to condition the air for the pilot and passenger's comfort during colder months and higher altitudes
Cooling systems, while clearly designed to do the opposite of heating systems, are less prolific, but still exist
Cabin Heating Systems:
Exhaust Manifold Heat Exchanger:
Inlet air is bypassed through an exhaust shroud
Air is ducted from exhaust shroud, now heated, into ventilation ducts inside of the cabin [Figure 1]
Combustion Heater:
Uses fuel from the aircraft fuel system to support a flame in a designated heater unit
Air enters the combustion chamber by use of a fan or ram air where it is then burned inside a shroud [Figure 2]
The resulting warm air from the shroud is routed into the cabin while the exhaust gas is vented overboard
Heat is regulated with a thermostat
Coolant Heat Exchanger:
Coolant from the engine's cooling system is fed into the cabin and to a heat exchanger
This heat exchanger blows air across a radiator, heating the air, and therefore the cabin
This system is uncommon because it requires engines be liquid cooled when most are in fact air cooled
This system is the same as that in your car
Cabin Heat Malfunctions:
Exhaust pipes may burst allowing carbon monoxide to enter the cabin
Heaters may have the same problem with the internal combustor
Common Training Aircraft Heating and Cooling Characteristics:
Cessna 172:
Temperature and intensity adjusted with push-pull labeled CABIN HT and CABIN AIR
Air enters from wing and nose inlet vents
Air heated with a heat exchanger with a shroud over exhaust pipes
Piper Arrow:
Temperature and intensity adjusted with sliders
Air enters from wing and nose inlet vents
Air is heated with a heat exchanger with a shroud over exhaust pipes
Additional air enters from the aft fuselage
Private Pilot - Operation of Aircraft Systems Airman Certification Standards:
To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with the safe operation of systems on the airplane provided for the flight test
The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:
PA.I.G.K1:
Airplane systems, to include: (Note: If K1 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant's knowledge of at least three of the following sub-elements