Bubble Windows on a 170'B?

[Bruce N]

Hi all,

I could not find any reference to bubble windows in the parts manual..

Are they legal? Any leads on a supplier or the STC?

Any other comments appreciated as well

Thanks

[canav8]

Yes, place in michigan has them with the STC.
http://www.glapinc.com/
Reasonably priced. Easy to install for the A&P. Ive got one on each side. I got the 6inch. My little one likes to see the tires when the airplane touches down! Doug

[GAHorn]

The reason you won't find "bubble" windows in the IPC is because they are not Cessna. They are "aftermarket" and require a basis of approval for installation such as an STC .

[Bruce N]

Thanks, I have them on my '185, great for shoulder room, and downwards visibility to check runways/lakes before landing.

Glad they can go on the '170.
B

[minton]

Bubble windows require a "Second" latch which is mounted forward of the existing one. This is because the bubble window causes extra drag and/or a low pressure area that tends to suck the forward edge of the window frame out into the slip stream. If there are any of you out there flying around without that second latch, I highly recommend you install it. Don't forget to order the spacer bushings that prevent mounting the screws from crushing the frame. They can be purchased after market from Niagara air parts, 705-326-1368. Remember they require right and left latches

[cmsusllc]

Question for canav8. Doug, what are your experences etc. with the bubble windows. Which do you think is the best, 2", 4" or 6"? This is one of my upcomming projects and I would really like to make the correct decission the first time.
Thanks, Scott.....53B

[mit]

They reqired a second latch on 180-185. I was sucessful in getting a field approval with out it. Not the same plane or the same speeds or the same latches on a 170. It is not a problem they work fine open and close them all the time.

[canav8]

Question for canav8. Doug, what are your experences etc. with the bubble windows. Which do you think is the best, 2", 4" or 6"? This is one of my upcomming projects and I would really like to make the correct decission the first time.
Thanks, Scott.....53B

Hi Scott, I seriously gave it some thought before I pulled the trigger on this. I had a NOS 6" Window that I was going to test fit it to see if it would be a good replacement for a flat panel window. When I first installed it and looked at it, I thought it was a little out of place much like the pictures on their website. But when you look through it from inside out. All I can say is Wow what a treat. Visibilty is awesome. I suppose a problem could occur if you have a habit of opening windows in flight but I do not open my windows in flight on the 170. That is what the Supercub is for. I am sure you can get away with the 4 inch but if you are shorter in height like some of our members, the comments I hear are, it is a perfect place to put a pillow to get a few ZZZZ for your passengers. Maybe my justification for the 6 inch window. I get a lot of compliments on it from passengers. My son loves the observation of the tires rolling on the runway. I dont think I would waste my time with the 2 inch though. It should be a choice of 4 or 6. Easy to install. The rivets can be a little challenging using cherrymax rivets. It does require a good rivet set to set these rivets. The 170 STC does not require the second latch. There is a 120mph limitation on an open window in flight. I live in the desert and I put a green tint window in. I like it better then the clear one. It seems to enhance color better and it is easier to see moving objects easier. The optical quality is awesome. If you have any more questions please fire away. Doug

[mit]

Question for canav8. Doug, what are your experences etc. with the bubble windows. Which do you think is the best, 2", 4" or 6"? This is one of my upcomming projects and I would really like to make the correct decission the first time.
Thanks, Scott.....53B

The 170 STC does not require the second latch. There is a 120mph limitation on an open window in flight. I live in the desert and I put a green tint window in. I like it better then the clear one. It seems to enhance color better and it is easier to see moving objects easier. The optical quality is awesome. If you have any more questions please fire away. Doug

Please post the STC # and holder for the members thanks.

[n2582d]

Please post the STC # and holder for the members thanks.

STC SA00897CH only lists the C-170B model yet in looking at Great Lakes website the instructions claim they are STC'ed for the 170, 170A, and 170B.

c-3bubdorwd.jpg

[canav8]

Thank you for posting that Gary. Yes the STC is for the 170B specifically. That is what I have. Great Lakes says that they are currently securing the other models as they are waiting for the FAA on it. Doug

[mit]

Yes thanks!

[gdehoff]

I too saw the FAA web site that noted the Great Lakes STC as applicable to the 170B only. I asked Great Lakes who provided the attached STC sheet. This sheet shows 170, 170A & 170B. I don't know why the descrepancy.
Gary

bubble STC info sheeta.jpg

[GAHorn]

Please post the STC # and holder for the members thanks.

STC SA00897CH only lists the C-170B model yet in looking at Great Lakes website the instructions claim they are STC'ed for the 170, 170A, and 170B.

c-3bubdorwd.jpg

I like the D-cup best, I think.

[Blue4]

At risk of driving further off topic ...

I always have my children ask their mother double-D batteries. Somehow, she is not as amused.

I recently learned there is a shop here in Alaska that will make bubbled rear windows as well. I don't know how much utility that would actually give, but rear-seat passengers like to look around too! The caution lies with interference with the flaps. Field approval only.