F.A.Q.
Q1: Who makes your parts?
Q2: Are your parts FAA-PMA "Approved"?
Q3: Why are your thicker side windows not STC'd?
Q4: How are you able to Install vent windows in windows without an STC?
Q5: Do your parts come with an installation kit?
Q6: How much trimming is there typically on a part?
Q7: How do I install my windshield or window?
Q8: How do your parts compare to the competition?
Q9: What is the Delivery time for your parts?
Q10: Why don't we list complete window set prices?
Q11: What about aircraft covers?
Q12: Do you charge extra for the STC paperwork?
Q13: Why are all of the parts shown a drawing, and not an actual photograph?
Q14: Why are all of the images of windows Green?
A: We are the Manufacturer of our windshields and windows.
Q2: Are your parts FAA-PMA "Approved"?
A: If the aircraft has a US Type Certificate then yes all of our windows and windshields are FAA-PMA approved, unless noted.
Q3: Why are your thicker side windows not STC'd?
A: Our regional FAA has determined where STC's are to be applied. Keep in mind that not requiring an STC keeps the paperwork down and a 337 form is not necessary. We have been told by our regional FAA office that STC's have been overused for minor changes, thicker side windows are considered to be a minor change by our regional FAA office (Chicago).
Q4: How are you able to Install vent windows in windows without an STC?
A: Our regional FAA has determined where STC's are to be applied. Keep in mind that not requiring an STC keeps the paperwork down and a 337 form is not necessary. We have been told by our regional FAA office that STC's have been overused for minor changes. Installing vent windows are considered to be a minor change by our regional FAA office (Chicago).
Q5: Do your parts come with an installation kit?
A: Almost all of our vent windows or pilot windows which have a vent hole will come with a vent seal. Most single engine Cessna windshields and rear windows come with the felt tape for the edges. PA-28, 32, 34 & 44 Windshields are also supplied with the Foam tape. For some Cessna side windows Rubber U-Channel or the Felt tape is available at an additional cost, and the foam tape used on some Piper side windows is also available. We also sell 100% silicone at an additional cost for sealing up windows. For the most part, we sell the windshields and windows only.
Q6: How much trimming is there typically on a part?
A: We attempt to make the closest fitting parts possible. By using used parts as templates we get a closer fit than using a new part from the manufacturer. Trimming depends on the aircraft itself, in many cases the trimming is minimal, about 1/8 of an inch or so, in most cases it seems we have had reports of no trimming. Basically the older the aircraft the higher the chance you will have to do some trimming to make it fit properly. Aircraft generally made in the 50's and prior seem to require windshield trimming than later models from the 60's and newer. Rag Wing aircraft also seem to vary more than metal wing aircraft. There are also cases where damage has been done to an aircraft and it was not reported in the Log book.
Q7: How do I install my windshield or window?
A: We strongly recommend the Original Manufacturers suggested practice for installing your windows and windshield. With every order we supply our Standard Trimming instructions which are also available online. ALSO the FAA has extensive information online on working with transparent plastics.
Q8: How do your parts compare to the competition?
A: We believe we make the highest quality parts in the world, we check and re-check each part so that they are up to the highest standards possible. We are currently making OEM parts for 3 General Aviation manufacturers of US aircraft. Our quality is one of the chief reasons why they buy from us.
Q9: What is the Delivery time for your parts?
A: Typically speaking we can manufacture and ship most parts within a week. Complete window sets and Larger orders usually take about a week or two. The actual delivery time is determined by our current work load and Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be our heaviest days for orders. We sometimes stock items and are able to get them out the next business day, unfortunately we manufacture upwards of 10,000 different parts and keeping everything in stock is not possible for our facility. We also tend to quickly sell out of many items we try to stock.
Q10: Why don't we list complete window set prices?
A: In many ways to have a complete window set price would make sense. In some cases it is possible, unfortunately we do not list a complete window set prices for all models is because the number of options. Since it seems that everyone has their own tastes and needs, in order for us to compile a window set price could make things more confusing. Consider a Piper Comanche PA-24, we offer 78 different windows for the 4 window model. Between the different thickness' and the different color options, on top of that we also have STC'd parts. It would get very confusing quickly and to meet all of our customers needs and wants would be difficult. It is just easier to call us and ask for a window set cost. However we do give discounts when ordering a complete windshield and window set.
Q11: What about Aircraft covers?
A: As some of you may have noticed we state on our installation instructions that "We do not recommend the use of covers on Windshields as they may cause crazing." This is not necessarily for ALL manufacturers of covers, not all of them are harmful. What causes crazing from the covers is the chemicals sometimes used to bond various layers together. In other cases, SOME Vinyl materials can also leach harmful vapors caused from CERTAIN plasticizers that are intended to keep the vinyl soft and flexible (NOTE: not all vinyl's and plasticizers are harmful) . If your interested in purchasing a cover look for a cover that is sewn together not glued, and the cover uses materials which will not harm your windows. Cambrai Covers* for example has informed us that they sew their covers, and they have done extensive research for protecting your aircraft.
*NOTE: We do not recommend any one cover company over another, Cambrai covers is intended only as an example of a sewn style cover.
Q12: Do you charge extra for the STC paperwork?
A: It seems a common practice for some companies to tack on an extra charge for STC information, over and above the parts ordered. We believe that the STC should be sold WITH the part, and included in the price. There is NO hidden extra charge with the purchase of a part which requires an STC from Great Lakes Aero Products, the price you see is the price WITH the STC. One thing to consider is if you purchase a part from XYZ company and it needs an STC, you have to have the STC information to install the part in your aircraft, as per FAA regulations. We do NOT sell our STC paperwork separate from our parts.
Q13: Why are all of the parts shown a drawing, and not an actual photograph?
A: Windows are inteded to be looked through not looked at. When a picture is taken of a window you usually see the reflections in the window more than the window. For example: A clear window is about 92% clear, no matter how thick it is. Since thickness is not a factor in a window the only thing that is actually detected optically are surface reflections. Since this is the case, a drawing of a window usually yields more information than a photograph.
Q14: Why are all of the images of windows Green?
A: For the most part all aircraft came with eihter clear, Green or Gray windows from the factory. Clear is difficult to represent on a screen without a simple outline and Gray tends to blend in with other things on the page, that left green as the color of the drawings.
Q15: What is the most popular color ordered, Clear, Green or Gray?
Typically speaking the color of the window depends on customer preference. A: Ten or twenty years ago Green was the most popular color. Today most of the major new aircraft manufacturers use Gray tinted windows for new aircraft sales the Gray is the most popular color ordered, clear second and Green third. Overseas however; Green tends to be more popular.
Q 16: Why do you not make darker windows availabe for windows in front of the pilot?
A: According to FAA regulations: Windows and Windshields that are in front of or next to the pilot cannot be darker than 30% light block.