[rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons

[mbetti]

I find the ones above the front seats on my Elite useless for seeing
anything out of. Seems like there is very little field of view, that is
depending on how far your eye is from the lexan. I cut a couple of squares
of the aluminum skinned stuff they put in windscreens to keep the sun out
and put velco on them to block the skylights when the sun comes in. I
don't know how anyone in an RV can survive the oven they built during the
summer.
Mike

I've read the archives and list over the years on this, but on account of
I'm in the thick of it, I'd sure like an update -- from those who are
flying, and have or haven't installed roof skylights (eyebrows may be
different topic). I have just now installed one skylight over the baggage
area, where I do want some light. Several others have squawked about the
the
drawbacks of the two positions behind the seats -- no utility and too much
sun on the back of the neck. So I won't bother with those. Of course, any
skylights add a little weight and work.

In short, I am trying to decide whether to add just two more, directly
over
the seats. I know some have opined those two aren't all that useful for
spotting planes in a turn, so I probably wouldn't add them for that
purpose.
However, I've been thinking they could be useful in a turn in tight
corners
when, even though I don't need enough resolution to read an enemy "N"
number
<g>, I might nevertheless like to take a glance at, say, an opposite
canyon
wall.

So the real question is one of overhead skylight utility -- for seeing
stuff. Does anyone really find the ones over the seats useful to see
traffic
in a turn? (I suspect not.) How about to glance at large objects, like
nearby rocks?

Ron
N254MR




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[Miller, Ross W]

Ron,

After more than 40 years and 10,00 hrs+ of flying, with and without skylights, I am a skylight believer. They are invaluable in tight turn visibility situations. I'm building a Moose and it WILL have them.

Ross Miller
SR-203

----- Original Message -----
From: Ron Shannon [mailto:rshannon@cruzcom.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 03:38 PM
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Subject: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons

I've read the archives and list over the years on this, but on account of
I'm in the thick of it, I'd sure like an update -- from those who are
flying, and have or haven't installed roof skylights (eyebrows may be
different topic). I have just now installed one skylight over the baggage
area, where I do want some light. Several others have squawked about the the
drawbacks of the two positions behind the seats -- no utility and too much
sun on the back of the neck. So I won't bother with those. Of course, any
skylights add a little weight and work.

In short, I am trying to decide whether to add just two more, directly over
the seats. I know some have opined those two aren't all that useful for
spotting planes in a turn, so I probably wouldn't add them for that purpose.
However, I've been thinking they could be useful in a turn in tight corners
when, even though I don't need enough resolution to read an enemy "N" number
<g>, I might nevertheless like to take a glance at, say, an opposite canyon
wall.

So the real question is one of overhead skylight utility -- for seeing
stuff. Does anyone really find the ones over the seats useful to see traffic
in a turn? (I suspect not.) How about to glance at large objects, like
nearby rocks?

Ron
N254MR




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[Bob Patterson]

Hi Ron !

Actually, I consider the 2 front skylights over the seats to be
essential - definitely help visibility in turns. Even more important
for those who have moved the firewall back, or have long legs !!

I also like 2 (or 3) at the very back of the baggage area, so
I can see behind ... And, of course, the side windows behind the
doors ! Can't imagine flying without those .... although some do !

Yes - the row behind the seats is good for sunburning the neck !
They are also handy to put over a GPS antenna that you don't
want outside in the rain. (I have an old one ...) They can be
covered with that automotive stick-on tinted film, as I do on
the front ones, on sunny days. Easy to peel off & store ...
Mine are there to stiffen the roof - never look out them !

--

......bobp
bobp@prosumers.ca
bobp@pattersys.com
http://www.Pattersys.com
http://www.amway.ca/BobPatterson

Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender
and do not necessarily reflect the views of any other entities or persons.
Any action taken as a result of the contents of this email is totally the
responsibility of the reader.


On March 9, 2011 03:38:39 pm Ron Shannon wrote:

I've read the archives and list over the years on this, but on account of
I'm in the thick of it, I'd sure like an update -- from those who are
flying, and have or haven't installed roof skylights (eyebrows may be
different topic). I have just now installed one skylight over the baggage
area, where I do want some light. Several others have squawked about the
the drawbacks of the two positions behind the seats -- no utility and too
much sun on the back of the neck. So I won't bother with those. Of course,
any skylights add a little weight and work.

In short, I am trying to decide whether to add just two more, directly over
the seats. I know some have opined those two aren't all that useful for
spotting planes in a turn, so I probably wouldn't add them for that
purpose. However, I've been thinking they could be useful in a turn in
tight corners when, even though I don't need enough resolution to read an
enemy "N" number <g>, I might nevertheless like to take a glance at, say,
an opposite canyon wall.

So the real question is one of overhead skylight utility -- for seeing
stuff. Does anyone really find the ones over the seats useful to see
traffic in a turn? (I suspect not.) How about to glance at large objects,
like nearby rocks?

Ron
N254MR




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[flypegasus628]

Fro what it's worth:

Having lived in the canyons and river drainages of Idaho and other locales, I've decided that there are several things you can't have too much of...........fuel, horsepower, and visibility. Regarding the latter.....I'm upgrading a Super Rebel to a Moose and have opened up the two eyebrow skylights to a single wide opening (makes a huge difference), and already have the two overhead skylights which will remain. Have also added Lexan to the lower panel of my recently converted gull wing doors. Rearmost side Moose windows to follow. Not particularly recommending any of these, since they are user/environment specific. However, in my particular case I just like my head-on-a-swivel in these conditions to have more places to look in the often tight quarters of this kind of adventure flying.

BTW, the lower window panel in my new gull wing doors gives an almost vertical downward view............surprising the difference it makes to open up that part of the scenery, and over the lap of any co-pilot passenger to the other side, which without the extra glass is a visual dead spot.

Ray Watson

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Patterson <bobp@prosumers.ca>
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Sent: Wed, Mar 9, 2011 1:59 pm
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons



i Ron !
Actually, I consider the 2 front skylights over the seats to be
ssential - definitely help visibility in turns. Even more important
or those who have moved the firewall back, or have long legs !!
I also like 2 (or 3) at the very back of the baggage area, so
can see behind ... And, of course, the side windows behind the
oors ! Can't imagine flying without those .... although some do !
Yes - the row behind the seats is good for sunburning the neck !
hey are also handy to put over a GPS antenna that you don't
ant outside in the rain. (I have an old one ...) They can be
overed with that automotive stick-on tinted film, as I do on
he front ones, on sunny days. Easy to peel off & store ...
ine are there to stiffen the roof - never look out them !
--
......bobp
bobp@prosumers.ca
bobp@pattersys.com
http://www.Pattersys.com
http://www.amway.ca/BobPatterson
Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender
and do not necessarily reflect the views of any other entities or persons.
Any action taken as a result of the contents of this email is totally the
responsibility of the reader.

n March 9, 2011 03:38:39 pm Ron Shannon wrote:
I've read the archives and list over the years on this, but on account of
I'm in the thick of it, I'd sure like an update -- from those who are
flying, and have or haven't installed roof skylights (eyebrows may be
different topic). I have just now installed one skylight over the baggage
area, where I do want some light. Several others have squawked about the
the drawbacks of the two positions behind the seats -- no utility and too
much sun on the back of the neck. So I won't bother with those. Of course,
any skylights add a little weight and work.

In short, I am trying to decide whether to add just two more, directly over
the seats. I know some have opined those two aren't all that useful for
spotting planes in a turn, so I probably wouldn't add them for that
purpose. However, I've been thinking they could be useful in a turn in
tight corners when, even though I don't need enough resolution to read an
enemy "N" number <g>, I might nevertheless like to take a glance at, say,
an opposite canyon wall.

So the real question is one of overhead skylight utility -- for seeing
stuff. Does anyone really find the ones over the seats useful to see
traffic in a turn? (I suspect not.) How about to glance at large objects,
like nearby rocks?

Ron
N254MR




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[Walter Klatt]

I, too, have made good use of the front skylight windows in tight turns when
coming down to land in an alpine lake surrounded on 3 sides by steep
mountain cliffs. Ron, if you ever want to land your Rebel on some of those
back country Idaho strips, you'll definitely want those front skylights. The
rear ones also help to check if anyone is behind you when taxiing or
holding. And living here in the NW, sunburns are not a big issue...

Walter

-----Original Message-----
From: mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:mike.davis@dcsol.com] On Behalf Of Bob
Patterson
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 12:59 PM
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons


Hi Ron !

Actually, I consider the 2 front skylights over the seats to be
essential - definitely help visibility in turns. Even more important
for those who have moved the firewall back, or have long legs !!

I also like 2 (or 3) at the very back of the baggage area, so
I can see behind ... And, of course, the side windows behind the
doors ! Can't imagine flying without those .... although some do !

Yes - the row behind the seats is good for sunburning the neck !
They are also handy to put over a GPS antenna that you don't
want outside in the rain. (I have an old one ...) They can be
covered with that automotive stick-on tinted film, as I do on
the front ones, on sunny days. Easy to peel off & store ...
Mine are there to stiffen the roof - never look out them !

--

......bobp
bobp@prosumers.ca
bobp@pattersys.com
http://www.Pattersys.com
http://www.amway.ca/BobPatterson

Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender
and do not necessarily reflect the views of any other entities or persons.
Any action taken as a result of the contents of this email is totally the
responsibility of the reader.


On March 9, 2011 03:38:39 pm Ron Shannon wrote:

I've read the archives and list over the years on this, but on account of
I'm in the thick of it, I'd sure like an update -- from those who are
flying, and have or haven't installed roof skylights (eyebrows may be
different topic). I have just now installed one skylight over the baggage
area, where I do want some light. Several others have squawked about the
the drawbacks of the two positions behind the seats -- no utility and too
much sun on the back of the neck. So I won't bother with those. Of course,
any skylights add a little weight and work.

In short, I am trying to decide whether to add just two more, directly

over

the seats. I know some have opined those two aren't all that useful for
spotting planes in a turn, so I probably wouldn't add them for that
purpose. However, I've been thinking they could be useful in a turn in
tight corners when, even though I don't need enough resolution to read an
enemy "N" number <g>, I might nevertheless like to take a glance at, say,
an opposite canyon wall.

So the real question is one of overhead skylight utility -- for seeing
stuff. Does anyone really find the ones over the seats useful to see
traffic in a turn? (I suspect not.) How about to glance at large objects,
like nearby rocks?

Ron
N254MR




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[Ron Shannon]

Thanks, all. That's a 4:1 vote FOR at least the two overhead skylights, if
not more, which isn't what I was expecting. Not what I wanted either,
because now I have a bunch more work to do. ;-) I do plan on backcountry
work, so... onward.

Ray, I did take Eric Fogelin's lead and made the front half of my lower
doors into more windows. I REALLY like them, especially flying right traffic
patterns, or landing approaches through cuts in the woods, and of course,
sightseeing.

Ron



On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 2:36 PM, Walter Klatt <Walter.Klatt@shaw.ca> wrote:

I, too, have made good use of the front skylight windows in tight turns
when
coming down to land in an alpine lake surrounded on 3 sides by steep
mountain cliffs. Ron, if you ever want to land your Rebel on some of those
back country Idaho strips, you'll definitely want those front skylights.
The
rear ones also help to check if anyone is behind you when taxiing or
holding. And living here in the NW, sunburns are not a big issue...

Walter

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[flypegasus628]

Glad you like them Ron.....they make a huge difference and get one spoiled for all the visibility!


Ray

-----Original Message-----
From: Ron Shannon <rshannon@cruzcom.com>
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Cc: Walter Klatt <Walter.Klatt@shaw.ca>
Sent: Wed, Mar 9, 2011 4:19 pm
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons


Thanks, all. That's a 4:1 vote FOR at least the two overhead skylights, if
ot more, which isn't what I was expecting. Not what I wanted either,
ecause now I have a bunch more work to do. ;-) I do plan on backcountry
ork, so... onward.
Ray, I did take Eric Fogelin's lead and made the front half of my lower
oors into more windows. I REALLY like them, especially flying right traffic
atterns, or landing approaches through cuts in the woods, and of course,
ightseeing.
Ron

On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 2:36 PM, Walter Klatt <Walter.Klatt@shaw.ca> wrote:

I, too, have made good use of the front skylight windows in tight turns

when
coming down to land in an alpine lake surrounded on 3 sides by steep
mountain cliffs. Ron, if you ever want to land your Rebel on some of those
back country Idaho strips, you'll definitely want those front skylights.
The
rear ones also help to check if anyone is behind you when taxiing or
holding. And living here in the NW, sunburns are not a big issue...

Walter




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[snowyrvr]

If you do add them, Ron, make sure the lexan/plexi, whatever is fairly flat. I used some of what came with me kit for the windshield (1992 kit) and it had been rolled up so long that it took a curved set. I thought the doublers and roof would hold them flat but some apparently had more authority and had the strength to convince the .020 roof to go their way! In fact for that reason I think the roof is the ugliest part of my plane. But when I'm on amphibs (or flying!) it'll never show! CW

--- flypegasus628@aol.com wrote:

From: flypegasus628@aol.com
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons
Date: Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:44:10 -0500

Glad you like them Ron.....they make a huge difference and get one spoiled for all the visibility!


Ray

-----Original Message-----
From: Ron Shannon <rshannon@cruzcom.com>
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Cc: Walter Klatt <Walter.Klatt@shaw.ca>
Sent: Wed, Mar 9, 2011 4:19 pm
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons


Thanks, all. That's a 4:1 vote FOR at least the two overhead skylights, if
ot more, which isn't what I was expecting. Not what I wanted either,
ecause now I have a bunch more work to do. ;-) I do plan on backcountry
ork, so... onward.
Ray, I did take Eric Fogelin's lead and made the front half of my lower
oors into more windows. I REALLY like them, especially flying right traffic
atterns, or landing approaches through cuts in the woods, and of course,
ightseeing.
Ron

On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 2:36 PM, Walter Klatt <Walter.Klatt@shaw.ca> wrote:

I, too, have made good use of the front skylight windows in tight turns

when
coming down to land in an alpine lake surrounded on 3 sides by steep
mountain cliffs. Ron, if you ever want to land your Rebel on some of those
back country Idaho strips, you'll definitely want those front skylights.
The
rear ones also help to check if anyone is behind you when taxiing or
holding. And living here in the NW, sunburns are not a big issue...

Walter




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[Ron Shannon]

Aye, but haven't you heard bubble windows are all the rage? As we used to
say in software development, that's a feature not a bug.

Ron


On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 4:01 PM, <snowyrvr@mtaonline.net> wrote:

If you do add them, Ron, make sure the lexan/plexi, whatever is fairly
flat. I used some of what came with me kit for the windshield (1992 kit)
and it had been rolled up so long that it took a curved set. I thought the
doublers and roof would hold them flat but some apparently had more
authority and had the strength to convince the .020 roof to go their way!
In fact for that reason I think the roof is the ugliest part of my plane.
But when I'm on amphibs (or flying!) it'll never show! CW

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[Dick Wampach]

WARNING: IF you are going to put in the skylights and use the Murphy
headliner, talk to the people at Murphy. That said, I had a problem with
that area. The measurements in the manual verses the location on the
headliner DO NOT MATCH UP! I got to change the top skin because of that!

It is my understanding that the factory will not sell you a headliner if you
already have cut in the holes for the windows. I know this because they
promised me that, when they gave me the new top skin. So now I have only
the two front eyebrow holes cut in under the windshield and added doublers
around them to avoid the cracks in the top skin that a few other builders
have reported.

...AND yes I do like them in a few of the 182rg's that I fly.

Good luck with your project

Dick Wampach SR-108 N331RW



-----Original Message-----
From: mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:mike.davis@dcsol.com] On Behalf Of
Miller, Ross W
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 12:58 PM
To: 'rebel-builders@dcsol.com'
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons


Ron,

After more than 40 years and 10,00 hrs+ of flying, with and without
skylights, I am a skylight believer. They are invaluable in tight turn
visibility situations. I'm building a Moose and it WILL have them.

Ross Miller
SR-203

----- Original Message -----
From: Ron Shannon [mailto:rshannon@cruzcom.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 03:38 PM
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Subject: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons

I've read the archives and list over the years on this, but on account of
I'm in the thick of it, I'd sure like an update -- from those who are
flying, and have or haven't installed roof skylights (eyebrows may be
different topic). I have just now installed one skylight over the baggage
area, where I do want some light. Several others have squawked about the the
drawbacks of the two positions behind the seats -- no utility and too much
sun on the back of the neck. So I won't bother with those. Of course, any
skylights add a little weight and work.

In short, I am trying to decide whether to add just two more, directly over
the seats. I know some have opined those two aren't all that useful for
spotting planes in a turn, so I probably wouldn't add them for that purpose.
However, I've been thinking they could be useful in a turn in tight corners
when, even though I don't need enough resolution to read an enemy "N" number
<g>, I might nevertheless like to take a glance at, say, an opposite canyon
wall.

So the real question is one of overhead skylight utility -- for seeing
stuff. Does anyone really find the ones over the seats useful to see traffic
in a turn? (I suspect not.) How about to glance at large objects, like
nearby rocks?

Ron
N254MR




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[Dick Wampach]

WARNING: IF you are going to put in the skylights and use the Murphy
headliner, talk to the people at Murphy.
That said, I had a problem with that area. The measurements in the manual
verses the location on the headliner DO NOT MATCH UP! I got to change the
top skin because of that!

It is my understanding that the factory will not sell you a headliner if you
already have cut in the holes for the windows. I know this because they
promised me that, when they gave me the new top skin. So now I have only
the two front eyebrow holes cut in under the windshield and added doublers
around them to avoid the cracks in the top skin that a few other builders
have reported.

...AND yes I do like them in a few of the 182rg's that I fly.

Good luck with your project

Dick Wampach SR-108 N331RW



-----Original Message-----
From: mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:mike.davis@dcsol.com] On Behalf Of
Miller, Ross W
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 12:58 PM
To: 'rebel-builders@dcsol.com'
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons


Ron,

After more than 40 years and 10,00 hrs+ of flying, with and without
skylights, I am a skylight believer. They are invaluable in tight turn
visibility situations. I'm building a Moose and it WILL have them.

Ross Miller
SR-203

----- Original Message -----
From: Ron Shannon [mailto:rshannon@cruzcom.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 03:38 PM
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com <rebel-builders@dcsol.com>
Subject: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons

I've read the archives and list over the years on this, but on account of
I'm in the thick of it, I'd sure like an update -- from those who are
flying, and have or haven't installed roof skylights (eyebrows may be
different topic). I have just now installed one skylight over the baggage
area, where I do want some light. Several others have squawked about the the
drawbacks of the two positions behind the seats -- no utility and too much
sun on the back of the neck. So I won't bother with those. Of course, any
skylights add a little weight and work.

In short, I am trying to decide whether to add just two more, directly over
the seats. I know some have opined those two aren't all that useful for
spotting planes in a turn, so I probably wouldn't add them for that purpose.
However, I've been thinking they could be useful in a turn in tight corners
when, even though I don't need enough resolution to read an enemy "N" number
<g>, I might nevertheless like to take a glance at, say, an opposite canyon
wall.

So the real question is one of overhead skylight utility -- for seeing
stuff. Does anyone really find the ones over the seats useful to see traffic
in a turn? (I suspect not.) How about to glance at large objects, like
nearby rocks?

Ron
N254MR




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[Jeff Micheal]

Hi Ray,

Regarding the eyebrow skylights that you made into 1. Just a note of
caution, opening the 2 eyebrow skylights to form 1 extra wide skylight just
weakened the structural integrity of your roof. I sure hope that you put
some doubler's in to recoup some of the strength in that area.

Cheers,
Jeff

On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 2:26 PM, <flypegasus628@aol.com> wrote:

Fro what it's worth:

Having lived in the canyons and river drainages of Idaho and other locales,
I've decided that there are several things you can't have too much
of...........fuel, horsepower, and visibility. Regarding the latter.....I'm
upgrading a Super Rebel to a Moose and have opened up the two eyebrow
skylights to a single wide opening (makes a huge difference), and already
have the two overhead skylights which will remain. Have also added Lexan to
the lower panel of my recently converted gull wing doors. Rearmost side
Moose windows to follow. Not particularly recommending any of these, since
they are user/environment specific. However, in my particular case I just
like my head-on-a-swivel in these conditions to have more places to look in
the often tight quarters of this kind of adventure flying.

BTW, the lower window panel in my new gull wing doors gives an almost
vertical downward view............surprising the difference it makes to open
up that part of the scenery, and over the lap of any co-pilot passenger to
the other side, which without the extra glass is a visual dead spot.

Ray Watson

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Patterson <bobp@prosumers.ca>
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Sent: Wed, Mar 9, 2011 1:59 pm
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons



i Ron !
Actually, I consider the 2 front skylights over the seats to be
ssential - definitely help visibility in turns. Even more important
or those who have moved the firewall back, or have long legs !!
I also like 2 (or 3) at the very back of the baggage area, so
can see behind ... And, of course, the side windows behind the
oors ! Can't imagine flying without those .... although some do !
Yes - the row behind the seats is good for sunburning the neck !
hey are also handy to put over a GPS antenna that you don't
ant outside in the rain. (I have an old one ...) They can be
overed with that automotive stick-on tinted film, as I do on
he front ones, on sunny days. Easy to peel off & store ...
ine are there to stiffen the roof - never look out them !
--
......bobp
bobp@prosumers.ca
bobp@pattersys.com
http://www.Pattersys.com<http://www.pattersys.com/>
http://www.amway.ca/BobPatterson
Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender
and do not necessarily reflect the views of any other entities or persons.
Any action taken as a result of the contents of this email is totally the
responsibility of the reader.

n March 9, 2011 03:38:39 pm Ron Shannon wrote:
I've read the archives and list over the years on this, but on account of
I'm in the thick of it, I'd sure like an update -- from those who are
flying, and have or haven't installed roof skylights (eyebrows may be
different topic). I have just now installed one skylight over the baggage
area, where I do want some light. Several others have squawked about the
the drawbacks of the two positions behind the seats -- no utility and too
much sun on the back of the neck. So I won't bother with those. Of course,
any skylights add a little weight and work.

In short, I am trying to decide whether to add just two more, directly
over
the seats. I know some have opined those two aren't all that useful for
spotting planes in a turn, so I probably wouldn't add them for that
purpose. However, I've been thinking they could be useful in a turn in
tight corners when, even though I don't need enough resolution to read an
enemy "N" number <g>, I might nevertheless like to take a glance at, say,
an opposite canyon wall.

So the real question is one of overhead skylight utility -- for seeing
stuff. Does anyone really find the ones over the seats useful to see
traffic in a turn? (I suspect not.) How about to glance at large objects,
like nearby rocks?

Ron
N254MR




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[Roland Kriening]

Hi Jeff,

I am at the point where I can put my skylights in. I too have considered the
eyebrow windows, but they seemed to be a bit small. Any suggestions on
opening up the eyebrow view with reinforcements. Would some wing stringers
suffice, or does it need something bigger?

Roland
Rebel 56



-----Original Message-----
From: mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:mike.davis@dcsol.com] On Behalf Of Jeff
Micheal
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 1:07 AM
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons

Hi Ray,

Regarding the eyebrow skylights that you made into 1. Just a note of
caution, opening the 2 eyebrow skylights to form 1 extra wide skylight just
weakened the structural integrity of your roof. I sure hope that you put
some doubler's in to recoup some of the strength in that area.

Cheers,
Jeff

On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 2:26 PM, <flypegasus628@aol.com> wrote:

Fro what it's worth:

Having lived in the canyons and river drainages of Idaho and other

locales,

I've decided that there are several things you can't have too much
of...........fuel, horsepower, and visibility. Regarding the

latter.....I'm

upgrading a Super Rebel to a Moose and have opened up the two eyebrow
skylights to a single wide opening (makes a huge difference), and already
have the two overhead skylights which will remain. Have also added Lexan

to

the lower panel of my recently converted gull wing doors. Rearmost side
Moose windows to follow. Not particularly recommending any of these,

since

they are user/environment specific. However, in my particular case I just
like my head-on-a-swivel in these conditions to have more places to look

in

the often tight quarters of this kind of adventure flying.

BTW, the lower window panel in my new gull wing doors gives an almost
vertical downward view............surprising the difference it makes to

open

up that part of the scenery, and over the lap of any co-pilot passenger to
the other side, which without the extra glass is a visual dead spot.

Ray Watson

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Patterson <bobp@prosumers.ca>
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Sent: Wed, Mar 9, 2011 1:59 pm
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons



i Ron !
Actually, I consider the 2 front skylights over the seats to be
ssential - definitely help visibility in turns. Even more important
or those who have moved the firewall back, or have long legs !!
I also like 2 (or 3) at the very back of the baggage area, so
can see behind ... And, of course, the side windows behind the
oors ! Can't imagine flying without those .... although some do !
Yes - the row behind the seats is good for sunburning the neck !
hey are also handy to put over a GPS antenna that you don't
ant outside in the rain. (I have an old one ...) They can be
overed with that automotive stick-on tinted film, as I do on
he front ones, on sunny days. Easy to peel off & store ...
ine are there to stiffen the roof - never look out them !
--
......bobp
bobp@prosumers.ca
bobp@pattersys.com

http://www.Pattersys.com<http://www.pattersys.com/>

http://www.amway.ca/BobPatterson
Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender
and do not necessarily reflect the views of any other entities or

persons.

Any action taken as a result of the contents of this email is totally the
responsibility of the reader.

n March 9, 2011 03:38:39 pm Ron Shannon wrote:
I've read the archives and list over the years on this, but on account of
I'm in the thick of it, I'd sure like an update -- from those who are
flying, and have or haven't installed roof skylights (eyebrows may be
different topic). I have just now installed one skylight over the baggage
area, where I do want some light. Several others have squawked about the
the drawbacks of the two positions behind the seats -- no utility and too
much sun on the back of the neck. So I won't bother with those. Of

course,

any skylights add a little weight and work.

In short, I am trying to decide whether to add just two more, directly
over
the seats. I know some have opined those two aren't all that useful for
spotting planes in a turn, so I probably wouldn't add them for that
purpose. However, I've been thinking they could be useful in a turn in
tight corners when, even though I don't need enough resolution to read an
enemy "N" number <g>, I might nevertheless like to take a glance at, say,
an opposite canyon wall.

So the real question is one of overhead skylight utility -- for seeing
stuff. Does anyone really find the ones over the seats useful to see
traffic in a turn? (I suspect not.) How about to glance at large objects,
like nearby rocks?

Ron
N254MR




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[Jesse Jenks]

I like my 4 overhead skylights so far. They are useful in a tight turn. I also opened up my eyebrows, and doubled the whole area back to the rear edge of the windshield with .025.

From: kriening@rogers.com
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Subject: RE: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons
Date: Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:31:17 -0500

Hi Jeff,

I am at the point where I can put my skylights in. I too have considered the
eyebrow windows, but they seemed to be a bit small. Any suggestions on
opening up the eyebrow view with reinforcements. Would some wing stringers
suffice, or does it need something bigger?

Roland
Rebel 56



-----Original Message-----
From: mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:mike.davis@dcsol.com] On Behalf Of Jeff
Micheal
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 1:07 AM
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons

Hi Ray,

Regarding the eyebrow skylights that you made into 1. Just a note of
caution, opening the 2 eyebrow skylights to form 1 extra wide skylight just
weakened the structural integrity of your roof. I sure hope that you put
some doubler's in to recoup some of the strength in that area.

Cheers,
Jeff

On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 2:26 PM, <flypegasus628@aol.com> wrote:

Fro what it's worth:

Having lived in the canyons and river drainages of Idaho and other

locales,

I've decided that there are several things you can't have too much
of...........fuel, horsepower, and visibility. Regarding the

latter.....I'm

upgrading a Super Rebel to a Moose and have opened up the two eyebrow
skylights to a single wide opening (makes a huge difference), and already
have the two overhead skylights which will remain. Have also added Lexan

to

the lower panel of my recently converted gull wing doors. Rearmost side
Moose windows to follow. Not particularly recommending any of these,

since

they are user/environment specific. However, in my particular case I just
like my head-on-a-swivel in these conditions to have more places to look

in

the often tight quarters of this kind of adventure flying.

BTW, the lower window panel in my new gull wing doors gives an almost
vertical downward view............surprising the difference it makes to

open

up that part of the scenery, and over the lap of any co-pilot passenger to
the other side, which without the extra glass is a visual dead spot.

Ray Watson

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Patterson <bobp@prosumers.ca>
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Sent: Wed, Mar 9, 2011 1:59 pm
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons



i Ron !
Actually, I consider the 2 front skylights over the seats to be
ssential - definitely help visibility in turns. Even more important
or those who have moved the firewall back, or have long legs !!
I also like 2 (or 3) at the very back of the baggage area, so
can see behind ... And, of course, the side windows behind the
oors ! Can't imagine flying without those .... although some do !
Yes - the row behind the seats is good for sunburning the neck !
hey are also handy to put over a GPS antenna that you don't
ant outside in the rain. (I have an old one ...) They can be
overed with that automotive stick-on tinted film, as I do on
he front ones, on sunny days. Easy to peel off & store ...
ine are there to stiffen the roof - never look out them !
--
......bobp
bobp@prosumers.ca
bobp@pattersys.com

http://www.Pattersys.com<http://www.pattersys.com/>

http://www.amway.ca/BobPatterson
Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender
and do not necessarily reflect the views of any other entities or

persons.

Any action taken as a result of the contents of this email is totally the
responsibility of the reader.

n March 9, 2011 03:38:39 pm Ron Shannon wrote:
I've read the archives and list over the years on this, but on account of
I'm in the thick of it, I'd sure like an update -- from those who are
flying, and have or haven't installed roof skylights (eyebrows may be
different topic). I have just now installed one skylight over the baggage
area, where I do want some light. Several others have squawked about the
the drawbacks of the two positions behind the seats -- no utility and too
much sun on the back of the neck. So I won't bother with those. Of

course,

any skylights add a little weight and work.

In short, I am trying to decide whether to add just two more, directly
over
the seats. I know some have opined those two aren't all that useful for
spotting planes in a turn, so I probably wouldn't add them for that
purpose. However, I've been thinking they could be useful in a turn in
tight corners when, even though I don't need enough resolution to read an
enemy "N" number <g>, I might nevertheless like to take a glance at, say,
an opposite canyon wall.

So the real question is one of overhead skylight utility -- for seeing
stuff. Does anyone really find the ones over the seats useful to see
traffic in a turn? (I suspect not.) How about to glance at large objects,
like nearby rocks?

Ron
N254MR




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[flypegasus628]

Hello Roland. I decided to open up the space between the two smallish skylights to make on much better wide opening. I reinforced the leading and trailing edges with 1/2" by 3/4" square aluminum tubing. Not only did this do a nice tidy job of trimming and reinforcing the area, but made for excellent wiring chases to route some of my overhead wiring to headset jacks, interior lighting, etc.

If you would like to send me a separate email address, I'd be happy to forward pictures.

Ray Watson


-----Original Message-----
From: Roland Kriening <kriening@rogers.com>
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Sent: Thu, Mar 10, 2011 6:31 am
Subject: RE: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons


Hi Jeff,
I am at the point where I can put my skylights in. I too have considered the
yebrow windows, but they seemed to be a bit small. Any suggestions on
pening up the eyebrow view with reinforcements. Would some wing stringers
uffice, or does it need something bigger?
Roland
ebel 56

-----Original Message-----
rom: mike.davis@dcsol.com [mailto:mike.davis@dcsol.com] On Behalf Of Jeff
icheal
ent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 1:07 AM
o: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
ubject: Re: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons
Hi Ray,
Regarding the eyebrow skylights that you made into 1. Just a note of
aution, opening the 2 eyebrow skylights to form 1 extra wide skylight just
eakened the structural integrity of your roof. I sure hope that you put
ome doubler's in to recoup some of the strength in that area.
Cheers,
eff
On Wed, Mar 9, 2011 at 2:26 PM, <flypegasus628@aol.com> wrote:
Fro what it's worth:

Having lived in the canyons and river drainages of Idaho and other
ocales,
I've decided that there are several things you can't have too much
of...........fuel, horsepower, and visibility. Regarding the
atter.....I'm
upgrading a Super Rebel to a Moose and have opened up the two eyebrow
skylights to a single wide opening (makes a huge difference), and already
have the two overhead skylights which will remain. Have also added Lexan
o
the lower panel of my recently converted gull wing doors. Rearmost side
Moose windows to follow. Not particularly recommending any of these,
ince
they are user/environment specific. However, in my particular case I just
like my head-on-a-swivel in these conditions to have more places to look
n
the often tight quarters of this kind of adventure flying.

BTW, the lower window panel in my new gull wing doors gives an almost
vertical downward view............surprising the difference it makes to
pen
up that part of the scenery, and over the lap of any co-pilot passenger to
the other side, which without the extra glass is a visual dead spot.

Ray Watson

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Patterson <bobp@prosumers.ca>
To: rebel-builders@dcsol.com
Sent: Wed, Mar 9, 2011 1:59 pm
Subject: Re: [rebel-builders] skylights - pros & cons



i Ron !
Actually, I consider the 2 front skylights over the seats to be
ssential - definitely help visibility in turns. Even more important
or those who have moved the firewall back, or have long legs !!
I also like 2 (or 3) at the very back of the baggage area, so
can see behind ... And, of course, the side windows behind the
oors ! Can't imagine flying without those .... although some do !
Yes - the row behind the seats is good for sunburning the neck !
hey are also handy to put over a GPS antenna that you don't
ant outside in the rain. (I have an old one ...) They can be
overed with that automotive stick-on tinted film, as I do on
he front ones, on sunny days. Easy to peel off & store ...
ine are there to stiffen the roof - never look out them !
--
......bobp
bobp@prosumers.ca
bobp@pattersys.com

ttp://www.Pattersys.com<http://www.pattersys.com/>
http://www.amway.ca/BobPatterson
Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender
and do not necessarily reflect the views of any other entities or
ersons.
Any action taken as a result of the contents of this email is totally the
responsibility of the reader.

n March 9, 2011 03:38:39 pm Ron Shannon wrote:
I've read the archives and list over the years on this, but on account of
I'm in the thick of it, I'd sure like an update -- from those who are
flying, and have or haven't installed roof skylights (eyebrows may be
different topic). I have just now installed one skylight over the baggage
area, where I do want some light. Several others have squawked about the
the drawbacks of the two positions behind the seats -- no utility and too
much sun on the back of the neck. So I won't bother with those. Of
ourse,
any skylights add a little weight and work.

In short, I am trying to decide whether to add just two more, directly
over
the seats. I know some have opined those two aren't all that useful for
spotting planes in a turn, so I probably wouldn't add them for that
purpose. However, I've been thinking they could be useful in a turn in
tight corners when, even though I don't need enough resolution to read an
enemy "N" number <g>, I might nevertheless like to take a glance at, say,
an opposite canyon wall.

So the real question is one of overhead skylight utility -- for seeing
stuff. Does anyone really find the ones over the seats useful to see
traffic in a turn? (I suspect not.) How about to glance at large objects,
like nearby rocks?

Ron
N254MR




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