To go with tinted windows or not…

[dachar89]

I’ve got a 1969 PA30C (3 side windows on each side) and my window glass is desperately in need of replacement. My windows leak, the windshield is crazed and scratched in several spots.

I’m looking over my options and my mechanic really likes the UV gray window tint option. I’m not completely sold as it’s more expensive and will distort any pictures I take out of the side windows in flight.

Anyone have experience with the UV gray tint option? Pros/cons? Does it help keep the heat down in the cabin in the summer?

My plane is hangar kept, so no real concern about UV rays while sitting outside. If I leave the plane outside overnight it gets a cabin cover put on.

 

[MooneyDriver78]

I have extra dark on the rear windows, pilot windows are normal gray tint. I just like how it looks.

I use shades (available at Walmart) when I want to block the sunlight:

 

[Domenick]

When I replaced my windscreen, I went with no-tint to facilitate photography. I want to see true colors and natural lighting. My plane is also hangared, and I use a plane cover and I wear sunglasses when needed.

I love the suction cup on the shades above. Gonna steal that idea.

 

[Walboy]

I installed Great Lakes Aero gray windows. It would have been a huge mistake to use clear, especially in AZ.

 

[sansoneservices]

I’ve got a 1969 PA30C (3 side windows on each side) and my window glass is desperately in need of replacement. My windows leak, the windshield is crazed and scratched in several spots.

I’m looking over my options and my mechanic really likes the UV gray window tint option. I’m not completely sold as it’s more expensive and will distort any pictures I take out of the side windows in flight.

Anyone have experience with the UV gray tint option? Pros/cons? Does it help keep the heat down in the cabin in the summer?

My plane is hangar kept, so no real concern about UV rays while sitting outside. If I leave the plane outside overnight it gets a cabin cover put on.

GO WITH THE UV INHIBITED TINT.. the older technology inhibited night vision. The new tint technology has vastly improved. Most interior damage is from years of UV exposure. Trust me on this

 

[Initial Fix]

Absolutely go with tinted.

I have custom static cling tint and it’s been great to keep temps and glare down

 

[455 Bravo Uniform]

Obviously if you buy tinted windows, you’ve got it for a long time and can’t easily change back. If you go clear, you may be able to add various types of automotive film and remove it if/when you like.

 

[NordicDave]

I installed Great Lakes Aero gray windows. It would have been a huge mistake to use clear, especially in AZ.

Obviously if you buy tinted windows, you’ve got it for a long time and can’t easily change back. If you go clear, you may be able to add various types of automotive film and remove it if/when you like.

I went from clear windscreen when the plane was purchased to Great Lakes Aero solar control grey in less than a year.

WHOLLY COW what a difference with regards to visibility. Please under no circumstances should anyone ever buy a clear windscreen for an airplane. The UV intensity of the sun increases with every thousand feet. I went from feeling like my retinas were being sunburned, even wearing sunglasses, to not requiring sunglasses most of the time. With the clear windows I was developing those white sun damaged spot on my skin.

I replaced all the windows in the 182 with solar control gray with the UV-A/UV-B protection. My eyes are significant more comfortable and my risk of a major skin problem abated greatly. Taking quality pictures had not been an issue and the overall comfort improvement was tangible.


Attached is pic of the Apple campus in Cupertino taken with an old iPhone through the solar control grey side windows.

 

[Lindberg]

I installed Great Lakes Aero gray windows. It would have been a huge mistake to use clear, especially in AZ.

Not kidding. I'd never flown gliders with tinted canopies until I went down there. The difference is amazing.

 

[ateamer]

Our RV-8 had a lightly tinted canopy. It helped and did not inhibit vision. If I get another RV, though, I’ll go with Jet Shades. Our neighbor has those in his Bo and they are excellent - better than tint, by far.