Acrylic plastic transmits about 92% of the visible light and polycarbonate
transmits about 89% (and most glasses are in the same range) so whichever
material is in the windscreen (and it is very likely one of these plastics)
the "clear" plastic will reduce the amount of light by a significant amount.
The human eye is a rather accommodating organ and with a little help from
the brain fools us into thinking that clear glass is not reducing the amount
of light passing through it, and in bright daylight we really can not tell
the difference. Not so at night. Most (all?) of us would not even consider
flying at night while wearing sunglasses so why would we want tinted windows
where transmission is dramatically less than for the clear product?
Consider also whether you require corrective lenses (spectacles or contacts)
because now the starting point with clear plastic is with about 80% to 85%
transmission (best case: 0.92 times 0.92 = 0.85). It could be even worse -
photochromic ophthalmic lenses (the kind that get darker in daylight)
transmit only a maximum of about 85% (hmmm, here the best case is 0.92 times
0.85 = 0.78). Wow, it looks like those of us that do not have perfect
vision really should be sucking on oxygen at night.
For those folks that have not yet seen the tinted stuff from Europa, be
aware that it is nothing like the tinted glass used in automotive windows.
It's dark, REALLY DARK, so I swapped the tinted for clear. For me that was
a "no-brainer" decision.
Best regards,
Rob Housman
Europa XS Tri-Gear A070
Airframe complete
Irvine, CA
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Fred R. Klein
Subject: Europa-List: plexiglas/perspex
Hi All,
I'm missing my windshield and windows, and now that I have some time before
the issue can be dealt with, I'm looking for some advice and counsel as to
whether to go clear, bronze, or grey tint.
Uncertainty was in fact the reason I procrastinated on my order.
Though the bronze is certainly attractive, I'm concerned with regard to its
desireability for night flying.
Looking around my local airport ramp, I find only clear windshields plus the
occasional light blue/green tint in Bonanzas.
Any thoughts?
Fred
A194
|