Storm Windows
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Australia, WA
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I believe the "storm window" dates back the time of DC3 and such. When flying through stormy or icy conditions, the front windows of said aeroplane would become very hard to see though due to build up of ice or rain. The pilots could then open the side window in order to see though when the vis got really bad (The side window on a DC3 is much larger that that of a light GA aircraft). Hence the side opening window became know as the "storm window".
Many old British designed aircraft were equipped with storm windows. The Lancaster/ Lincoln series had them as well as the American DC4 and DC3. In blinding heavy rain when the wipers were useless (or u/s) the storm window (which was either part of the main windshield or just an aperture)could be opened by means of a gnurled knob or screw, and the window either opened inward, or slid along a rail.
Due perhaps to the vagaries of airflow past the main windscreen, there was very little air blast - just lots of noise.
But the view improved dramatically.
I had occasions when opening the storm window to get a clear shot at the runway in heavy tropical rain, was the only way to land. I could never understand why light twins such as the Baron, Navajo, Seneca etc never had a storm window as part of the windshield, particularly as for some strange illogical reason they were not fitted with wipers. And please don't tell me that the curvature of the windshield was such that the rain just fell off. Not in my experience, anyway.
Due perhaps to the vagaries of airflow past the main windscreen, there was very little air blast - just lots of noise.
But the view improved dramatically.
I had occasions when opening the storm window to get a clear shot at the runway in heavy tropical rain, was the only way to land. I could never understand why light twins such as the Baron, Navajo, Seneca etc never had a storm window as part of the windshield, particularly as for some strange illogical reason they were not fitted with wipers. And please don't tell me that the curvature of the windshield was such that the rain just fell off. Not in my experience, anyway.
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Sth. Aust.
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Storm Window, also called a DV Window ( direct vision). They come in handy when you hit a bird in a twin, evan more handy when trying to land a single after a prop seal has let go and all the black stuff is on the screen and side window
Join Date: Aug 2000
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In the Piper sort of storm window its also very good to throw up thru after a hard night as it seals your face and nothing comes back into the aircraft. :o
[ 31 August 2001: Message edited by: agcatman ]
[ 31 August 2001: Message edited by: agcatman ]
Join Date: May 1999
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I seem to remember the story of the DC3 approaching Essendon in the good old days.
Said the flight was as good as finished and threw the flight plan out the Storm (DV)window.
Trouble was it went into the oil cooler and the engine oil temp became a real problem.
I think he might have had to feather it.??
Another of the same ilk had his flight plan forwarded to the airline by mail from a good citizen who had picked it up off the ground.
Said the flight was as good as finished and threw the flight plan out the Storm (DV)window.
Trouble was it went into the oil cooler and the engine oil temp became a real problem.
I think he might have had to feather it.??
Another of the same ilk had his flight plan forwarded to the airline by mail from a good citizen who had picked it up off the ground.
Bottums Up
I can recal being rendered speechless with laughter on hearing a story about a (military?) guy perusing his packed lunch of sandwiches during the take off roll.
As they were not appealing, he hoiked them out of storm window and they became lodged in the number one engine air intake (radial)(Caribou?).
As they were not appealing, he hoiked them out of storm window and they became lodged in the number one engine air intake (radial)(Caribou?).
