I'd like to install them in my '74 model. From what I understand from the model differences they were optional starting in 1974, which I think means they can be installed with a logbook entry (or possibly accompanying 337 if deemed a major mod), but what reference would they be installed IAW? No mention of them on the TCDS. Can a parts manual be used as a certification/compliance reference?

I know Cub Crafters holds the STC for them on older models but don't think that would be necessary in my case provided I install them as the factory did.

For those that have them any words of wisdom? Love them, hate them, wish you didn't have them or install them?

I've no experience with skylights, and am curious why you want to install them in your bird?

I think you should be able to install them as you suggest with a logbook entry, but you MIGHT have to have the drawings from Cessna, or buy the skylights from them??? I'd give them a call.

Then, if you have a skylight, you're going to have to have the inside parts to hold the skylight in place, and more labor.....

Personally, I've flown planes with them and without, and to me, it wouldn't be worth $20 to install them.....They are small and they do add a little light. If you make really steep turns, you can sorta see out the top, but.....

Not worth the effort or hassle, if you ask me.

MTV

Thanks MTV, great input, exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for.

Coondawg - While I love the visibility a high wing affords, especially with bubble windows, it drives me nuts when I roll into a turn and go blind on anything inside the turn circle. Seems to me that they'd be pretty useful when maneuvering amongst gaggles like we've seen at some of AKT's fly-ins and more routinely when looking for traffic that was previously abeam you but is over the wing once you roll into a turn. But then if they're too small to really be of use as MTV reports then they might not be worth the hassle.

Vick wrote:Thanks MTV, great input, exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for.

Coondawg - While I love the visibility a high wing affords, especially with bubble windows, it drives me nuts when I roll into a turn and go blind on anything inside the turn circle. Seems to me that they'd be pretty useful when maneuvering amongst gaggles like we've seen at some of AKT's fly-ins and more routinely when looking for traffic that was previously abeam you but is over the wing once you roll into a turn. But then if they're too small to really be of use as MTV reports then they might not be worth the hassle.

Thanks, Vick. I understand.

Love mine, and super happy I installed em. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

GLA makes PMA'd direct replacement windows, and they are cheap. I installed the dark tint.

Thanks Greg, of course yours look amazing! Are they useful for keeping track of traffic as I imagine they'd be?

Where did you get the frames? I assume your STC came with drawings or patterns?

Vick wrote:Are they useful for keeping track of traffic as I imagine they'd be?

Greg would have to fly his plane to know that!

robw56 wrote:Greg would have to fly his plane to know that!

Thanks Rob. Yes, we all know I own a display piece.

RE: the STC, yes, it is very detailed and comes with blueprints. STC allows for up to 5 skylites. 3 in the center, and two in the back if desired. STC does not come w/ any parts. The install requires 3 items per window. The plexi, the frame, and the headliner ring. I opted out of the headliner ring as I was not going to use the headliner. (saved me a couple of bucks also)

Cub Crafters used to stock the parts, but they are not really interested in the STC anymore. Parts sourced from Yingling.

I had them in a 1976 Skylane and loved them when you turn you just look up to see where you're turning into.

Skylights in a cub or pacer are a must - very helpful seeing in a turn and brighten up the cabin a lot. Skywagon ones are a little small as MTV mentioned, but they do help brighten up the interior and make it feel less cave like. On the other hand - if you keep the aircraft outside in a sunny environment they help heat up the cabin and let in UV....

I find leaning forward and looking out the top of the windshield gives sufficient visibility in a turn, but to each they're own. I know fish spotter pilots love skylights and have seen up to 5 in the top of a cessna.

I suspect that like many things in aviation, this will largely depend on personal preference.

With around 4000 hours in 180/185 I never really saw much utility to skylights in them. That said, I'm 5 ft 8 in, so slide the seat pretty far forward, and thus looking around the front of the wing gives me much better turning visibility than would be afforded by skylights. Maybe if I were seven feet tall, I'd see more utility to them, but still, they aren't very big.

As Northriver points out, they do lighten up the cabin, as well as heat it up......and, Vick, as I recall, you're at Beale, right? A little sunny there in summer as I recall.

I sure don't have anything against them, but again, is the cost and effort of installing them worth it? Frankly, I can think of a LOT of other mods I'd spend that money on first. And, that would buy quite a bit of gas as well.

MTV

I've had one 185 with and one without. Really don't look out of them that often in turns, they are kind of in the wrong spot to do so. My Birddog had larger ones, 4 in front and two in back, those provided more visibility. On the downside, they eventually start to leak in the rain, making your seats wet. Putting a headliner in is truly a joy. In fact, instead of the death penalty, death row inmates could choose; put in a 185 headliner with skylights, or death.

Now on one occasion, they did save my life. Something told me to look up. Just in time to spot a Piper Malibu descending on top of me over Lakeland Florida. Close enough to read placards. Even so, If the plane didn't have them I wouldn't go out of my way to install them. One other down side, if you put Rosen Sun Visors in, they tend to obscure the skylights when stowed.