ConversionAIR Kits from Steinbach

The older R12 aviation cooling system is on its way out the door; R134a refrigerant remains the most desirable solution to keep you flying in air-conditioned comfort.

We offer ConversionAir kits with key components like special R134a-compatible hoses, a compressor to minimize recurring maintenance, and other miscellaneous components and placards for smooth installation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What's the new industry standard on refrigerant for my aircraft?

The choice of refrigerant for aircraft is a crucial consideration as it directly impacts the efficiency and safety of the air conditioning and cooling systems on board. Today’s standard for flying comfortably is R134A refrigerant.

What’s great about R134A?

R134A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant known for its relatively low global warming potential (GWP) compared to some earlier refrigerants. It is non-toxic, non-flammable, and has been widely adopted due to its environmental properties. The aviation industry, like other sectors, is increasingly focused on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, and this includes the choice of refrigerants.

Isn’t R134A being phased out?

R134A production is not being phased out, which is a considerable difference from what we have seen with R12. As we mentioned above, R134a has a GWP (Global Warming Potential) of 1,430 and does not damage the Ozone layer whereas R12 has a GWP of 10,680 and damages the ozone layer. These emissions are very different from each other. In an effort to continue improving the impact of emissions, there is an ongoing effort to reduce R134A usage by moving manufacturing of new high-volume products to lower GWP refrigerants. This has begun in the chillers and automotive industries, which are high-volume refrigerant users. According to the EPA, "Servicing of existing vehicles using HFC-134a with HFC-134a will not be impacted and will continue to be allowed," which indicates that R134a will continue being available for servicing current system and there is no ruling stating that R134a supply will be restricted.

What do the OEMs have to say about R134A?

We have checked with three major turboprop/piston aircraft manufacturers (OEMs) and they have no plan to move away from R134A. Production aircraft and new aircraft models continue being certified and delivered with R134A systems as R134A will continue being available for servicing.

Can I still get R12?

While R12 is still available in some cases, it is increasingly hard to acquire and will eventually no longer be available.

What solutions do you offer that involve R134A?

We offer Steinbach ConversionAir kits which include key components like special R134a-compatible hoses, a compressor to minimize recurring maintenance, and other miscellaneous components and placards for smooth installation.

READY TO MAKE THE SWITCH?

We stock ConversionAir kits for a variety of different aircraft, and are happy to help you find exactly what you need. The kits are available for:

King Air 90/100/200/300 series
Beechcraft 1900s
Bombardier Learjet 24/25/28/29/31/35/55/60

Talk To Us About Your R134A Refrigerant Needs!

Professional Aviation Associates has been serving aircraft operators, private owners and MROs for 35 years. We know how to help you transition to R134A, and are happy to help.

ConversionAir Kits from Steinbach