888-826-2043
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Q1:
Who makes your parts?
Q2: Are your parts FAA-PMA "Approved"?
Q3: Why are your thicker side windows not STC'd?
Q4: How are you able to Install vent windows in windows without an STC?
Q5: Do your parts come with an installation kit?
Q6: How much trimming is there typically on a part?
Q7: How do I install my windshield or window?
Q8: How do your parts compare to the competition?
Q9: What is the Delivery time for your parts?
Q10: Why don't we list complete window set prices?
Q11: What about aircraft covers?
Q12: Do you charge extra for the STC paperwork?
Q13: What is the new SC- (Solar Control) material?
Q1: Who makes your parts?
A: We are the Manufacturer of our windshields and windows. We are inspected by the FAA, and we have a PMA certificate.
Q2: Are your parts FAA-PMA "Approved"?
A: If the aircraft has a US Type Certificate then yes all of our windows and windshields are FAA-PMA approved, unless noted.
Q3: Why are your thicker side windows not STC'd?
A: Our regional FAA has determined where STC's are to be applied. Keep in mind that not requiring an STC keeps the paperwork down and a 337 form is not necessary. We have been told by our regional FAA office that STC's have been overused for minor changes, thicker side windows are considered to be a minor change by our regional FAA office (Chicago).
Q4: How are you able to Install vent windows in windows without an STC?
A: Our regional FAA has determined where STC's are to be applied. Keep in mind that not requiring an STC keeps the paperwork down and a 337 form is not necessary. We have been told by our regional FAA office that STC's have been overused for minor changes. Installing vent windows are considered to be a minor change by our regional FAA office (Chicago).
Q5: Do your parts come with an installation kit?
A: Almost all of our vent windows or pilot windows which have a vent hole will come with a vent seal. Most single engine Cessna windshields and rear windows come with the felt tape for the edges. PA-28, 32, 34 & 44 Windshields are also supplied with the Foam tape. For some Cessna side windows Rubber U-Channel or the Felt tape is available at an additional cost, and the foam tape used on some Piper side windows is also available. We also sell 100% silicone at an additional cost for sealing up windows. For the most part, we sell the windshields and windows only.
Q6: How much trimming is there typically on a part?
A: We attempt to make the closest fitting parts possible. By using used parts as templates we get a closer fit than using a new part from the manufacturer. Trimming depends on the aircraft itself, in many cases the trimming is minimal, about 1/8 of an inch or so, in most cases it seems we have had reports of no trimming. Basically the older the aircraft the higher the chance you will have to do some trimming to make it fit properly. Aircraft generally made in the 50's and prior seem to require windshield trimming than later models from the 60's and newer. Rag Wing aircraft also seem to vary more than metal wing aircraft. There are also cases where damage has been done to an aircraft and it was not reported in the Log book.
Q7: How do I install my windshield or window?
A: We strongly recommend the Original Manufacturers suggested practice for installing your windows and windshield. With every order we supply our Standard Trimming instructions which are also available online. ALSO the FAA has extensive information online on working with transparent plastics.
Q8: How do your parts compare to the competition?
A: We believe we make the highest quality parts in the world, we check and re-check each part so that they are up to the highest standards possible. We are currently making OEM parts for 3 General Aviation manufacturers of US aircraft. Our quality is one of the chief reasons why they buy from us.
Q9: What is the Delivery time for your parts?
A: Currently we are about 4 to 5 weeks out for most new orders. Complete window sets and Larger orders usually take a day or so longer. The actual delivery time is determined by our current work load and Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be our heaviest days for orders. We sometimes stock items and are able to get them out the next business day, unfortunately we manufacture upwards of 10,000+ unique parts and keeping even one of everything in stock is not practical. We do try to make high volume parts for stock, unfortuatenly we tend to quickly sell out of many those items.
Q10: Why don't we list complete window set prices?
A: In many ways to have a complete window set price would make sense. Unfortunately we do not list a complete window set prices is because the number of options. Since it seems that everyone has their own tastes and needs, in order for us to compile a window set price could make things more confusing. Consider a Piper Comanche PA-24, we offer 78 different windows for the 4 window model. Between the different thickness' and the different color options, on top of that we also have STC'd parts. It would get very confusing quickly and to meet all of our customers needs and wants would be difficult. It is just easier to call us and ask for a window set cost. However we do give discounts when ordering a complete windshield and window set.
Q11: What about Aircraft covers?
A: As some of you may have noticed we state on our installation instructions that "We do not recommend the use of covers on Windshields as they may cause crazing." This is not necessarily for ALL manufacturers of covers, not all of them are harmful. What causes crazing from the covers is the chemicals sometimes used to bond various layers together. In other cases, SOME Vinyl materials can also leach harmful vapors caused from CERTAIN plasticizers that are intended to keep the vinyl soft and flexible (NOTE: not all vinyl's and plasticizers are harmful) . If your interested in purchasing a cover look for a cover that is sewn together not glued, and the cover uses materials which will not harm your windows. Cambrai Covers* for example has informed us that they sew their covers, and they have done extensive research for protecting your aircraft.
*NOTE: We do not recommend any one cover company over another, Cambrai covers is intended only as an example of a sewn style cover.
Q12: Do you charge extra for the STC paperwork?
A: It seems a common practice for some companies to tack on an extra charge for STC information, over and above the parts ordered. We believe that the STC should be sold WITH the part, and included in the price. There is NO hidden extra charge with the purchase of a part which requires an STC from Great Lakes Aero Products, the price you see is the price WITH the STC. One thing to consider is if you purchase a part from XYZ company and it needs an STC, you have to have the STC information to install the part in your aircraft, as per FAA regulations. We do NOT sell our STC paperwork separate from our parts.
Q13: What is the new SC- (Solar Control) Material?
A: The following is a Technical Bulletin from Polycast:
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Enhanced Protection from Ultraviolet "A" radiation
UVA exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer and will damage most organic materials. Standard plastic transparencies block practically all UVB and about 80% of UVA rays. Polycast SC colors block all of the UV and >99% of all UVA rays. The harm caused by UV can be reduced by a factor of 20, when SC products are compared to standard acrylic materials.
UV radiation intensely increases approximately 5% with every 1000 ft of altitude while traditional plastic transparencies provide adequate UV protection at sea level it is insufficient at higher altitudes. Pilots, passengers and interior materials may be exposed to periods of high UVA radiation without the protection offered by Polycast SCTM. -
Solar Energy Control
For small and medium-sized aircraft and helicopters, the interior heat build up is a serious problem when not in flight. Polycast SCTM colors block out a significant portion of the Near-Infrared Radiation (NIR); this results in less heat. This benefit is gained without sacrificing Visible Light Transmission (VLT), compared to standard materials. For a given VLT, Polycast SCTM colors reduce the NIR radiation (solar energy heat) that penetrates the aircraft by about 30%. -
Benefits are synergistic
Damage to aircraft interiors results from periods of inactivity while parked in the sun. The combination of UV radiation (*even at sea level) and high temperatures accelerate the rate of damage to all nonmetallic materials inside the aircraft. The rate of photochemical degradation of organic materials exposed to UV radiation is approximately doubled with every 18°F temperature increase. Keeping the temperatures lower and the UV out will increase the service life of interior components and instruments.
Spartech
Polycast
SC Brochure
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888-826-2043
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