Alt Air Without The Filter

Approach Aviation Development Thursday said it has received FAA STC SA00206BO for an Alternate Air system for all Grumman AA-5 Traveler and AA-5A Cheetahs.

The new “RAM-Air” Alternate Air System is designed to provide an alternate source of induction air to the engine without the restriction of the standard induction air filter. This system allows the pilot to bypass the induction air filter in-flight without the reduction in available engine power caused by resorting to carburetor heat. A cable control in the cockpit opens/closes a valve into the airbox that supplies unfiltered, high-pressure air from the available air in front of the forward engine baffling.

The high-pressure location of the inlet provides a source of "Ram-Air" which has been tested to increase manifold pressure by approximately 1/2+" Hg. This equates to 4-5 HP more horsepower at altitudes where normally aspirated aircraft engines typically produce 75% power or less. The system also increases the service ceiling and effectively reduces the aircraft’s pressure altitude by about 750 feet MSL.

"The “RAM-Air” Alternate Air System is an outstanding and economical performance addition to the Grumman Traveler and Cheetah." said Jeff Simon, President of Approach Aviation Development, Inc. "Aircraft induction filters are always a compromise of engine protection vs. performance. This system preserves the integrity of the filter on the ground, while allowing the pilot to take advantage of the increased power naturally available in flight.”

The “RAM-Air” Alternate Air System, complete with all necessary hardware, is available at the introductory price of $750. Installation is very straightforward with a typical install time of approximately 4-6 hours.

FMI: www.ApproachAviation.com