Windshield Covers

[Pearson]

I have moved my airplane from a fully enclosed to an open front hangar. Now my plane gets coated with a light dusting of dirt, especially the windshield. Does anyone know of any quality covers that go over the windshield? Has anyone MADE any covers that might still have the pattern?

[PA1195]

Re: Windshield Covers

I have moved my airplane from a fully enclosed to an open front hangar. Now my plane gets coated with a light dusting of dirt, especially the windshield. Does anyone know of any quality covers that go over the windshield? Has anyone MADE any covers that might still have the pattern?

There are several manufacturers of aircraft covers...search and review. The best quality I've seen and used (and they aren't cheap) are these:

https://www.aircraftcovers.com/general-aviation-models/taylorcraft/models-b-and-f

http://www.kennoncovers.com

Others will work, but the issue becomes that of future damage to the covered surfaces from wind moving the potentially loose fitting coverings and subsequent abrasion. Dirt gets entrained under the cover and wear starts. What helps is a properly fitting cover that stays tight to the surface.

I've had many types of covers on many planes in Alaska. In wind I use the Kennon mesh wing covers with sewn in spoilers.

Gary

[Guest]

Re: Windshield Covers

I have moved my airplane from a fully enclosed to an open front hangar. Now my plane gets coated with a light dusting of dirt, especially the windshield. Does anyone know of any quality covers that go over the windshield? Has anyone MADE any covers that might still have the pattern?

My experience was not good with them. When I finished fixing/recovering my BC12D in 1998 I purchased a set of Kennon covers and their windshield cover. The airplane covers were the mesh covers with built in spoiler. They were fine.

The windshield cover seemed ok at first then after a few windy winter months I noticed that the new windshield had dull marks in it. They looked gray, foggy, misty and were a result of the wind making the cover move at the perimeter. I was really annoyed because I installed it as built and made no mods to it at all. I removed it and tossed it. Also sent Kennon a note saying they should take it off the market.

Others have told me since that having some better tightening straps would have fixed it. Perhaps that is true. I figure that the miniscule amount of time I loose and windshield abrasion that I suffer by splashing the windshield with H20 and bare hand wiping is less than the damage/annoyance the cover would give me.

I am in a very dusty place and in an open sided hangar.

Dave

[PA1195]

Re: Windshield Covers

Yes Dave I agree with your experience. For that reason I haven't used a windshield cover since 1987 as I park outdoors 365/yr and debris and wind events are common. The Bruce covers I received with my Taylorcraft are well made, fit properly, and the airframe/plastic showed little wear from tail, canopy, engine covers after being outdoors in windy dusty Anchorage, Ak.

I might note that solid non-mesh wing and tail covers can deform and harm their covered areas in wind. The covers blow up vertically due to vacuum above and compressed air underneath. In doing so they will pull at the front and rear edges. Many a Cessna has deformed/cupped upper aileron surfaces from that activity.

Gary

[skip]

Re: Windshield Covers

I've used the Bruces's custom covers and am quite pleased with them. One thing to note if ordering a set: The dimensions that they had seem to be for a pre-war three-hinge tail and they did not fit my post-war two-hinge tail. To their credit, they paid to return and re-build them properly at their expense. Then when a friend (Peterroy on the forum!) bought a 1941 with a three-hinge tail, we made sure to specify which and the right ones arrived. So make sure you specify which tail you have when ordering.

My experience with the canopy cover is that it fits properly and doesn't let dirt and crud migrate up under.

The biggest benefit for me is to cover the wing-root area and prevent water from migrating down the wing root.

It sucks being at an airport with limited hanger options...

[skip]

Re: Windshield Covers - picture

Here is a shot of the plane with canopy, wing, and fuselage covers.
Note that both wing and fuselage fuel caps fit properly in the covers. Bruce's did a good job.

[Bonanza91K]

Re: Windshield Covers - picture

I too have a Bruce's cover that works great. My F21 is on floats in the summer and the cover keeps water, dirt and spiders out.

Jim

[Pearson]

Re: Windshield Covers - picture

Thanks everyone for the input. I will be ordering some of Bruce's covers soon. I am especially glad to hear that the wing fuel caps fit under their cover. That was a concern until Skip sent his pictures. Thank you! BTW, I relocated my plane from Kelso, Washington KLS to a small airport near Justin, Texas. It took 20.5 hours. I didn't have any problems other than having to wait for fog to lift one morning after stopping in Burlington, Colorado for the night. The last 25 -30 minutes were spent looking for my new home airport. It wasn't in the data base in my GPS and was extremely difficult to find using landmarks. Anyone one reading this in the greater Dallas - Ft Worth area that knows of good places to fly to for hundred dollar hamburgers or a good swimming hole, please send me a PM.

[Bravo 6]

Re: Windshield Covers - picture

Richard,

I also have used a cover from Bruce's for a few years. I concur with all the comments made so far. It is an excellent product and designed to minimize or eliminate any wear or damage to the airplane. Here are a few photos of my cover in place. If you get down to the Houston area give me a call and/or stop by Sport Flyers (27XS).

[Pearson]

Re: Windshield Covers - picture

Greg,

I will definitely be getting down to the Houston area eventually. I have many friends and some family there. I look forward to the day.