Window treatment necessary?

bucksmith

bucksmith

Did you lock the doors?
Hey folks, maint is trying to sell me a $3500 window treatment because the water didn't bead up. It's the one that uses a PPG product and a heat blanket over night.
When his primary justification for it was ice protection when I forgot to turn on window heat (level one ice protection),
I started thinking shenanigans. We don't have wipers or blowers, just heat, in a Lear 45, but I've never really complained much in heavy precipitation.

Thanks for the help!
 
bucksmith said:
Hey folks, maint is trying to sell me a $3500 window treatment because the water didn't bead up. It's the one that uses a PPG product and a heat blanket over night.
When his primary justification for it was ice protection when I forgot to turn on window heat (level one ice protection),
I started thinking shenanigans. We don't have wipers or blowers, just heat, in a Lear 45, but I've never really complained much in heavy precipitation.

Thanks for the help!
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Sounds like one helluva upcharge for some Rain-X. Typical repair station shenanigans.
 
bucksmith said:
funny you should say that, I think a periodic application of rain-x would do the trick. Have you heard of this heat blanket application?
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No. I’m sure the repair station manager will try to tell you using rain-x will void your warranty, risk explosive decompression of the cabin, and give your pets/children cancer. I’ve always had good luck with it on the Navajo heated windshield, but a pressurized bird is a whole different ballgame. This is sort of @knot4u s area.
 
@bucksmith @Roger Roger

It's a lot more durable than rain-x. It's also not an option, it's called for in the AMM so if your window doesn't pass inspection they probably won't sign it off and now you're grounded. Usually the manual has a second kit/procedure that really is like expensive rain-x, it doesn't take as long to apply and doesn't require any special equipment, but they'd probably have to order the kit. Not sure if the 45 AMM allows it but it doesn't require the blanket and is supposed to be used when there isn't enough time for the other procedure and the existing coating isn't completely worn away. Also, as far as I know the hydrophobic coating is primarily for rain, since you don't have windshield wipers, but I guess it would help with anti-icing also. If you think they're trying to take you for a ride have them do the inspection in front of you. All it requires is a clean windshield, a spray bottle, and some distilled water. In my opinion it's cheap insurance if you're going to be operating on the ground in the rain a lot.
 
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Phenom 300 use a similar thing
Not sure on the intervals since our birds are new, but I believe it's a gazillion dollar service center application thing
 
Forgot to mention, the difference between a new, or freshly coated, windshield compared to one that needs to be treated is extremely obvious, especially at night in light rain on a ramp or taxiway.
 
knot4u said:
@bucksmith @Roger Roger

It's a lot more durable than rain-x. It's also not an option, it's called for in the AMM so if your window doesn't pass inspection they probably won't sign it off and now you're grounded. Usually the manual has a second kit/procedure that really is like expensive rain-x, it doesn't take as long to apply and doesn't require any special equipment, but they'd probably have to order the kit. Not sure if the 45 AMM allows it but it doesn't require the blanket and is supposed to be used when there isn't enough time for the other procedure and the existing coating isn't completely worn away. Also, as far as I know the hydrophobic coating is primarily for rain, since you don't have windshield wipers, but I guess it would help with anti-icing also. If you think they're trying to take you for a ride have them do the inspection in front of you. All it requires is a clean windshield, a spray bottle, and some distilled water. In my opinion it's cheap insurance if you're going to be operating on the ground in the rain a lot.
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I appreciate that. I don't think I'm being taken for a ride, maybe I came across wrong. They did in fact spray the window and show me it wasn't beading up. I was just concerned about spending a lot of money on something that wasn't necessary.
They mentioned it wasn't mandatory at the moment, they would still sign off the A check. Not sure if that means the coating wasn't deamed completely gone or if they are just not reading it as a mandatory thing. I'll get some clarity tomorrow.
I really appreciate the response!
 
@knot4u @Roger Roger
Just an update for the record, as stated here, it is in fact required, I was able to get out of A checks without it, but we are getting it done soon. Quote came in a little less than $3k, so at least it's a little cheaper than originally expected.
It's tough to go a week in this business without learning something new, thanks guys.
 
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