plgplg

Is it true that the Dash-8 aircraft have no air conditioning? Was told this today on a hot, hot flight from YXU-YYZ. Was told by the FA "no air conditioning but when we get to altitude things will cool down". Altitude was only around 8000 ft and air time was only around 30 minutes so not much cool down effect actually.

But is it true, no air conditioning per say on the Dash-8? I thought perhaps with external power, they could keep them cool on the ground, but I assumed that they just didn't do this, because it was too expensive and/or inconvenient.

But do they have the capability?

On another note, does Transport Canada have rules/regulations about maximum cabin temperature for civilian commercial flights?

On the plus side, flight was on time (first time in 6 months for me taking this particular route) but on the downside, arrived YYZ literally soaked in sweat — and I'm not much of a sweat-er

zwkchong

Ugh this is one of my pet peeves about the Dash 8. Every summer flight I've taken in one has been unbearable. Apparently APUs are optional on them so unless the bird gets forced air from the terminal (like at SEA), you're SOL.

One way around it is to get a USB powered fan with a power bank like this https://www.amazon.ca/ARCTIC-USB-Powered-Portable-Cooling-Solution/dp/B003XN24GY

Looks a little silly but I've gotten many jealous looks on hot summer days when there's a delayed pushback.

plgplg

So I'm boarding another Dash-8 flight soon, the aircraft arrived around noon and will have sat on the gate 4.5 hours in today's 32C full-on sun before we board. Is there any chance they can cool the aircraft before we board? Like actually cool it, not just blow ambient air around? Or is it in fact not possible given the equipment?

plgplg

found this re: temperature:

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/r...ge-8.html#h-67

PART 7
Temperature and Lighting
7.1 If reasonably practicable, the air temperature on board an aircraft shall be maintained at a level of not less than 18°C and not more than 29°C.

Transpacificflyer

The Dash 8's are not unreasonably hot. Appreciably, some people have difficulty in a warmer temperature. However, the cabins really are not that bad and I don't mind them. It only is a bit warm for a few weeks of the year anyway.
I recommend that one dress in layers if one is overly affected by a warm temperature.

canadiancow

At 29 degrees, I'd be naked and still too hot.

I'd much prefer 18.

172pilot

Naked on Dash 8, at the least the seats are cloth. Naked on a CRJ with the pseudo leather, eww.

Jebby_ca

Dash 8s have leather seats, no?

D582

"Reasonably practicable" being the operative words - If the plane doesn't have A/C capabilities on the ground then not much they can do.

jasdou

Yup, blue leather or leather-like material.

quantumofforce

I might have to reconsider my invite to have you stay at my place in SIN

I do have 18... year old scotch

canadiancow

In SIN, I just have to shower and change 3 times a day.

It doesn't mean I'm comfortable though.

yyz_atc_qq

Which model were you on? It may make a difference

quantumofforce

it is a lifestyle change when you consider going outside, but then reconsider because you'll need to shower, change and do more laundry.

plgplg

was a Dash-8 100, YXU-YYZ

Later in the day I flew on another Dash-8 100, YYZ-BDL, and they had one of those ground units next to the aircraft before we boarded, filling the aircraft with cool air. It worked very, very well.

I wish they would do the same for YXU-YYZ flights. Maybe they don't have those ground unit thingys at YXU?