Multiple STCs Approved, Ready for You

Turbine Aircraft's Cockpit Sun Visor and Window Shade Systems

Turbine Aircraft Components has received distribution rights to a Cockpit Sun Visor System and a replacement Window Shade System for MU-2 aircraft.

The newly-certified MU-2 Cockpit Sun Visor System was designed by Rosen of Eugene (OR). One advantage of the new system is its optically pure lens allowing the pilot to see through the visor, rather than it being an obstruction. Also, the Sun Visor System features a monorail design for virtually unlimited positioning, or stowage, along the windshield or side windows of the MU-2 cockpit. The Sun Visor System provides extra safety and comfort by improving vision and reducing fatigue. It can eliminate 99 percent of harmful ultraviolet light and 75 percent of heat producing infrared light.

The Window Shade System was designed by Lou Martin & Associates of San Antonio (TX). The newly certified MU-2 Window Shade System features a louver shade, better sun protection, and provides an improved sound barrier. Its low-vibration design makes movement fluid and precise. The Window Shade System can be easily disassembled for cleaning and servicing, and features a translucent tinted panel to reduce glare and provide UV protection while the inner shade blocks out light when deployed. The entire unit fits completely within existing sidewall panels, and is available in several colors.

New Shoulder Harness System, Too

The new state-of-the-art system will feature a three-point buckle with an easy to reach positive locking mechanism. The new harness also offers a simplified twist-to-release feature. In a previously announced agreement, MHIA and Pacific Scientific Company of Duarte, California, co-developed the new shoulder harness for all MU-2 aircraft. The restraint system was designed for older MU-2 aircraft not originally equipped with a shoulder harness. It can also be used as a replacement for existing harnesses in late-model aircraft.

According to MHIA officials, most MU-2 operators are expected to opt for the new design. The new shoulder harness restraint system will be distributed exclusively by MHIA through its MU-2 authorized service center network. Deliveries will begin in November 2003.

The new MU-2 shoulder harness will be on display at the 2003 NBAA convention in Orlando on October 7–9. Interested parties are encouraged to stop by the MU-2 booth, number 2431.

MU-2 Heated Windshield

Intercontinental Jet Corp. tells us a revised STC has been issued for the installation of a pilot side heated windshield on older MU-2 twin turboprop aircraft. STC #SA02583AT was awarded to PPG Aerospace of Huntsville (AL). The STC is being distributed through Intercontinental Jet Corp. of Tulsa (OK).

The new STC will allow for the replacement of an out-of-production windshield with a current production MU-2 heated windshield. The installation includes a new PPG windshield and temperature controller. The windshield design comprises inner and outer layers of tempered glass. The outer layer is coated for anti-static protection. The STC is a fail-safe design, meaning that failure of either glass layer will provide full protection from all flight and pressurization loads. A heating element is sandwiched between an inner polyurethane layer and the outer glass layer. Operation of the new heated windshield is controlled by the pilot with a three-position switch, on the overhead panel, labeled "Windshield Heat and Alcohol," "Off," and "Windshield Heat." This controller maintains the window heat at approximately 104 degrees Fahrenheit. (High heat mode, available on later MU-2 models, is not provided with this STC.)

Replacement MU-2 windshields are available now. The price of the new windshield is equivalent to the cost of the OEM replacement. (For additional information on MU-2 windshield replacement contact, Mark James at Intercontinental Jet Corp. Tel. 918-834-8888.)

FMI: www.turbineair.com