Cracked Windsheild

[jergar999]

I have been asked to do a flight to reposition an aircraft with a cracked windshield. I have four questions;

1. Do I need a ferry permit? The aircraft is operated only under Part 91 and therefore not on a AAIP (no MEL).

2. Should I fly it completely unpressurized, or keep maybe half to 1 psi pushing outwards?

3. If you took this flight which seat would you fly from? (the crack is on the pilots side, only through about half of the outer portion, with no spiderwebbing)

4. It is safe to use windshield heat?

I appreciate any input.

 

[bocefus]

1. Depends of what the Manufacturer's Maintenance Manual allows for cracks, if anything. If the crack is within the criteria then no "ferry permit" would be required and the answers to 2, 3, 4 would be no brainers, fly it as you normally would.

 

[Brett Hull]

Is it a P-210 or a 747?

1. Since it wasn't certified with a cracked windshield, my answer would be yes, you will need a ferry permit. Ferry permits are not limited to for-hire airplanes. You should refer to the aircraft maintenance manual and see if it speaks about limitations of operating with a cracked windshield, including how large the crack can be.

2. Don't know what kind of a/c you're talking about, and what altitudes you'll be flying at.

3. Depends on how large the crack is.

4. See #3.

 

[Khirsah]

1. Have a mechanic who works on the type in question head to the aircraft with a ruler and a hard number for allowable crack length from the maintenance manual. If it's allowable, no ferry permit needed.

2. Probably not a good idea to pressurize it unless told to do so (in writing) by an engineer. On a windshield as small as 3' x 1' that's in excess of 400 pounds of force applied to the windshield. It'll have a tremendous effect on a crack (especially a large one).

3. Totally up to you. Depends on how much of a visibility restriction the crack imposes on you.

4. Wouldn't use windshield heat unless absolutely necessary. Probably an acrylic windshield and acrylic expands even more than a lot of metals under a good amount of heat. This would put a large amount of stress on the windshield.

Take all of this with a grain of salt, though. Airplanes differ and procedures differ. Talk to a mechanic who knows the type and he'll probably be able to answer your questions better than anyone here. If he's a good mechanic and can't answer your question, he'll talk to an engineer.

 

[empenage]

Cracked widshield?


Wait a minute. Is the windshield cracked or is it just the heated outer ply? If its the heated outer ply the fix is speed tape, heat off and reposition as long as its not the left side.

If its the winshield itself I wouldnt fly it.

 

[jergar999]

It's the heated outer ply. I believe I will head out and take a look at the maintenance manual tonight. I talked to a mechanic who has worked on this specific airplane and he said he would fly it as is, but I'm something of a nervous guy. The last thing I need is to get ramped, or even worse hurt. It's easy to say no, especially when its just a contract thing.

 

[FN FAL]

It's the heated outer ply.

Let me guess, C-414? I have that t-shirt around here someplace.

 

[jergar999]

Let me guess, C-414? I have that t-shirt around here someplace.

AC90 actually. Incidentally, I've had bad luck with King Airs. (2 windshields in 5 years)

 

[FN FAL]

AC90 actually. Incidentally, I've had bad luck with King Airs. (2 windshields in 5 years)

they told me that we had 3 414's with cracked windshields in a two week period at the place I worked at before. Yes, it was the outside cover to the heated windshield side. I was out on a trip when mine broke, the line guy was fueling it and heard it break.

 

[empenage]

Which side is the crack on? Make sure you read the MEL and the AFM if you do reposition, fly with 2 pilots.

I've had 3 go on me. The 601 is plastic on plastic you just get one line. The GIV and Global have Glass on plastic and you get the big spiderweb.

Have a good ride.

 

[421Driver]

A King Air 200 allows you to fly with a cracked windsheild, just check the AFM.

 

[jergar999]

I found the section in the AFM, and it says a flight can be continued if the shield cracks (inner or outer), but has to be below 21000 and less than 3.6psi max differential. It also says that the aircraft may be ferried for maintenance as long as those conditions are met. I think I'm going to call the FSDO, cite the AFM reference, and ask if I need a ferry permit.

Thanks to everyone for the input.