Reflective Sun Shades

[FlyDave]

All,

I have a set of reflective sun shades for my plane but have not used them (yet).

My thoughts are that the glass will experience both the direct sunlight coming through the glass initially, then a second time when it's reflected back out. So it get's hit twice.

Am I thinking too much about this (as I do sometimes) or is this a valid concern? My plane is hangared so they would be used very infrequently.

Thanks,

[JoeSpeed]

The shades are designed to reduce heat buildup in the cabin. Excess heat is detrimental to the interior materials and the avionics. The amount of sunlight passing thru the window is less harmful than the heat it produces. BTW do not use the interior shades with a cabin cover. The trapped heat will damage your windows. If you are still concerned just pay to hanger your plane when away.

[Barry]

I know that the use of reflective window shades in my Grand Cherokee caused issues with my windshield. I killed the sealer around the edges of the window (began to leak and hurt the headliner) as well as made the window itself discolored and brittle. The autoglass people said that they have seen this many times. This was caused by a concentration of heat at the upper edges of the windshield. With this bit of knowledge, I believe I would prefer to put sun screens on the OUTSIDE of the plane. I'm now using a cockpit cover.

[flight2000]

Not to mention the scratches from placing the shades in and out over time.  I stopped using them as well and use an aircraft cover when outdoors.

Brian

[67M20F]

So you use nothing????

 

I have been using inside reflective shades, with no problems but she has been outside so little  till now...

 

I have heard that cabin covers work well, but I havn't bought one yet but need to.

[Immelman]

This is just my opinion, but I believe that the aircraft cover will scratch the plexi more readily than the sun shades. The cover can move around in the wind and slides against the windows while putting it on/off.

With that said, I have both cover & reflectvive shades.

[HopePilot]

I use both Kennon Sun Shields and a cover.  I wouldn't think enough heat could get past the cover to cause a problem (with heat getting trapped against the windows), but I could be wrong.  All I know is that the combination keeps the interior very cool.