Open Windows

[n2099x]

How many people fly with the window open?. For those that don’t have an opening right hand window there is a new STC to add one. The operating limitations on speed with the window open, is usually the aircraft Vne. If you open your window during flight hold on tight the faster you are going the faster it will open. You can also remove the stop and it will open all of the way up to the wing. Usually the window will float just below the wing without touching anything. If you don’t regularly fly with your window open, clean and vacuum your airplane first and pick your charts up. With the slow flight characteristics of our planes it’s fun flying around with the window open.

Glen

[kwmoore]

Many years ago I had taken someone flying on a "first date" in a rented 172RG. We were cruising happily along at 130 KTAS or so at 5500 feet when suddenly a roar and whirlwind filled the cockpit. Convinced that I was about to deal with my first in-flight structural failure, I quickly scanned the cockpit for the source of the cacophony. "What was that?" I shouted, no doubt with a few choice descriptors appended. "Oh, I just wanted to open the window to see what it was like." she replied. "Right," I said, while slowing the plane down enough to get it closed from my side.

Thenceforth an "opening windows in flight" item was added to my passenger briefing. :rolleyes:

[n2099x]

Yeah, I know what you mean if a window just pops open it scares the daylight out of you. I hit my window latch once while I was taking a leak in a bottle. Not a good thing.

Glen

[Pete of N978PB]

Umh, well, uh, Glen ... guess you didn't need the bottle anymore, didja?

Pete:D

[Michael]

Glen,

Funny you should mention that, I've been flying with the window(s) open nearly every day for the past two weeks! It is so hot flying low over the ocean that it is nearly a necessity. I don't open the windows until I get slowed down to 70 knots or so. I have been bothered by the fact that they don't open very far. I've flown quite a bit in a super cub where the window opens all the way and latches. Tell me more about removing the stop and "floating" the window? Will it stay open at 55 knots?

By the way, don't try to empty your bottle through that open window!

Cheers,
Michael

[C-GOEM]

The STC for an opening window on the right hand side sounds like a good idea. Who is marketing this modification? What does it cost/weight? Have you seen one installed?

Speaking of flying with the window open.... I had the upper half of the door come open in flight on my Aerostar one night. This was a little disconcerting but the airplane flew fine and there was no damage to the door!

[n2099x]

There is one Phillips screw that holds the arm to the window frame on my plane. I just remove it and push the arm back in the closed position. The window will just hang there when unlatched. While doing your run-up the window will lift open. Then it just floats up by the wing.

Ellis & Associates has the STC’s that are $1500 plus some parts and 20-24 hours labor. They use old parts from an old right opening window from a 182, 207, 210 or new parts from Cessna.

Pete I did need a couple of new maps.

Glen

[Michael]

Well, I answered my own question today. I removed the phillips screw, secured the window bracket and tried flying with the "floating window". Unfortunately it does not stay open in slow flight. It'll float there for a bit and then WHAM shut. Watch those fingers! I'm thinking about duck taping some type of string or bungee to the underside of the wing so I can secure it open. I also noticed it doesn't seem to stay open as well if you open the right window.

Michael
97AV

[Alfredo]

Michael,
I fly with my window open. I glued Marine Velcro on the window and on the wing. It works even when on the ground.
Alfredo