To shade, or not to shade? That is the question.
If you’ve flown Gulfstreams for many years you’re familiar with the debate: to shade, or not to shade. Should reflective sunshades be placed in the cockpit to shade the flightdeck from harmful rays during layovers, or are reflective sunshades actually doing more harm than good by damaging the (very expensive) cockpit windshields? I thought this debate had been put to rest, but alas, it has not. I’m hearing that operators are still being advised against installing reflective sunshades.
A quick search of mygulfstream revealed three articles specifically written to address this debate. I thought it would be helpful to compile them here:
7/20/2012
ALL (ATA 56): Use of Internally Mounted Reflective Foil Sunscreens
By Denny George, Customer Support Mechanical Systems Group
The purpose of this article is to clarify the use of internally mounted reflective foil sunscreens in all Gulfstream aircraft cockpits. A Breakfast Minutes article published in 2009 and again in 2011 stated that the use of these items was not recommended by the window manufacturer, PPG. This was initially correct, but PPG released a Service Information Letter (SIL), dated January 12, 2010, with new information.
This SIL states in part: There have been numerous types of internally mounted shades introduced to the market that are favored for ease of use. PPG has no technical objection to the use of these shades. However, operators assume the responsibility for any damage or transparency failure caused by the use or misuse of internally mounted shades. PPG warranty remedies are not applicable for overheated transparencies not caused by the malfunction of the transparency heating system.
PPG recommends that operators exercise caution when utilizing internally mounted shades to avoid scratches or other surface damage to the inside surface of the transparency. Further, PPG recommends that the operators who utilize internally mounted window shades be aware that prolonged exposure of the transparencies to temperatures in excess of 150°F (65°C) may result in permanent visible damage and potentially reduce service life.
Gulfstream conducted testing, confirming the above information. Operators are encouraged to review this information, be aware of the cautions, and use internally mounted window shades at their discretion.
9/13/2013
ALL (ATA 56): Reflective Sunshade Usage
By Abhijit Alhat, Gulfstream Mid-Cabin Program, Structures
PPG Aerospace released “Service Information Letter (SIL) – Transparency Shades NTO” on January 12, 2010, concerning “Use of Screens/Shades to Reduce Flight Deck Temperature.” That SIL stated that “PPG has no technical objection to the use of” internally-mounted shades with PPG-manufactured flight deck transparencies. That was published in a March 12, 2010, Breakfast Minutes article.
Gulfstream recently contacted PPG regarding use of the sun shades on G280 windshields. PPG replied that the G280 windshields are similar in design to the GIV – G650 windshields, and there should not be “any significant effect with respect to the use of sun shades.” The Notice To Operators (NTO) is generic and applicable to any aircraft with PPG transparencies.
Note: All Gulfstream aircraft use PPG windshields.
As noted in the 2010 article, PPG had previously objected to use of reflective sunshades with their transparencies. Their objections stemmed from the unknown effects of long-term usage of the shades and the potential for the windshield temperature to rise due to reflective heating, possibly damaging the windshield.
Gulfstream conducted a temperature survey to address these concerns. The testing, completed in September 2009, found that the sunshades had no significant negative impact on the temperatures experienced in the transparencies. Following Gulfstream testing, PPG issued the SIL.
Internally mounted sunshades are composed of a reflective layer of material applied over a flexible framework. The sunshades are installed via friction fit or suction cups to cover each cockpit transparency. Sunshades have been utilized by some operators to reflect radiant heat away from the aircraft interior, keeping the flight deck area cool and protecting sensitive equipment.
Sunfoil sunshade for left-hand windshield
Operators should exercise caution when utilizing internally-mounted shades to avoid scratches or other damage to the inside surface of the transparency. Operators assume all responsibility for any damage or transparency failure caused by the use or misuse of internally-mounted shades.
9/29/2017
ALL (ATA 56): Reflective Sunshade Usage
By Travis Padgett, Structural Design
Sunshades have been utilized by some operators to reflect radiant heat away from the aircraft interior, keeping the flight deck area cool and protecting sensitive equipment. Internally mounted sunshades are composed of a reflective layer of material applied over a flexible framework. The sunshades are installed via friction fit or suction cups to cover each cockpit transparency.
In the past, PPG objected to use of reflective sunshades with their transparencies. Their concerns stemmed from the unknown effects of long-term usage of the shades and the potential for the windshield temperature to rise due to reflective heating, possibly damaging it.
Noting that there was no substantiating data or reports of damage consistent with overheating, Gulfstream conducted a temperature survey to address these concerns. The testing found that the sunshades had no significant impact on the temperatures experienced in the transparencies. Therefore, no additional risk of damage due to overheating is incurred through the use of the shades.
Following Gulfstream testing, PPG issued a Service Information Letter stating their position on the use of internally mounted reflective sunshades as “No Technical Objection.” As a result, operators are free to purchase and use internally mounted reflective sunshades as they wish.
While the potential for transparency damage resulting from sunshade use is minimal, any damage suspected to be related to sunshade installation will be evaluated by Gulfstream Engineering on a case-by-case basis.
Hopefully the above information from Gulfstream and PPG helps you in answering your own question, to shade or not to shade. If you choose to shade, a proven resource is Sun Foil Aircraft Sunscreens, Inc.
Keep cool my friends!