As seen on BS:

The greenhouse effect on full display, very nice

Just because you can…

Definitely never seen a Skywagon all lit up inside like that before!! Having owned a plane or two with skylights or in the case of the RANS S7, windshield going all the way from the cowl to the baggage area, I am not a fan! The light is nice, but in the summer, the sun will cook you quickly!! I ended up putting up a shade in the S-7 to alleviate the issue. The glare can also be a problem. JMHO

I agree on too much light, getting even hotter in the sun. No thanks.

I agree on too much light, getting even hotter in the sun. No thanks.

We had a greenhouse on the Pacer - I don't miss it.
We also had patrol doors(plexi to the floor) - those I miss.

But no Patroller Doors??? Tacky.....

I know a couple people who spent a lot of money to install skylights in their skywagon.
The long narrow oval ones-- I think two up front & three aft.
Personally I wouldn't get much out of it, except maybe a sunburnt bald spot.
I have short legs & fly with the seat slid way forward,
so the only way I'm gonna see much through the skylights is to lean my head way back-- well past straight up.

I also don't see much advantage in patrol doors, other than looking cool--
the pilot's & right seater's legs block the view from those.

Speaking of skylights though, Bushliner's website shows some big ones.
Dunno if they're real or maybe AI generated,
but if you like skylights they would probably be the way to go.
Bushliner site also shows a great big baggage door, ditto on whether it's real or AI.

hotrod180 wrote:Bushliner site also shows a great big baggage door, ditto on whether it's real or AI.

I've seen the baggage door in a fuselage and it is HUGE. Not sure if it has flown though.

It would be interesting to know how much structure was added to maintain the integrity and strength of a stressed skin, load bearing fuselage

The “23 window” of the aviation world. Love it…

skyward II wrote:The “23 window” of the aviation world. Love it…

Indeed. Maybe not quite as classy.

There were some nice busses at HSF.

hotrod180 wrote:I know a couple people who spent a lot of money to install skylights in their skywagon.
The long narrow oval ones-- I think two up front & three aft.
Personally I wouldn't get much out of it, except maybe a sunburnt bald spot.
I have short legs & fly with the seat slid way forward,
so the only way I'm gonna see much through the skylights is to lean my head way back-- well past straight up.

I also don't see much advantage in patrol doors, other than looking cool--
the pilot's & right seater's legs block the view from those.

Speaking of skylights though, Bushliner's website shows some big ones.
Dunno if they're real or maybe AI generated,
but if you like skylights they would probably be the way to go.
Bushliner site also shows a great big baggage door, ditto on whether it's real or AI.

Agreed, but in my experience, the "patroller doors" windows actually wind up blocked mostly by the seats, when the seats are moved into flight position......

I think the best ROI is blister windows, they offer a great view and a bunch of extra shoulder room

It looks good with the skylights. But after flying an RV, I’ve come to like the shade.

mtv wrote:

hotrod180 wrote:
I also don't see much advantage in patrol doors, other than looking cool--
the pilot's & right seater's legs block the view from those.

Agreed, but in my experience, the "patroller doors" windows actually wind up blocked mostly by the seats, when the seats are moved into flight position......

Once again, it is mission dependent. When working my 180, 95% of the time the right front seat is out leaving a clear view through the right door. I also prefer right hand turns while accomplishing observation/survey work for the same reason. The "pax" is in the back where they belong, leaving us both more room to do our respective tasks, both with unobstructed view out either side. This configuration has the additional benefit of placing the CG further aft where it belongs making the 'wagon a joy to fly just as it was designed. I never got around to installing the "patroller glass" due to higher reward projects, however, I believe it bears return in the appropriate mission.

TR