Additional rolled aluminum strips are added to aircraft structure and the perimeter of skylight so bolts and nyloc nuts can secure lexan to trim. This installation allows easy removal of skylight if necessary.

Rating:
  • Currently 0/5 stars.

Views: 121

Comment

You need to be a member of Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers to add comments!

Join Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers

Comment by DENNIS LONG on February 23, 2021 at 10:14pm

OK that sounds like it should work well. It will be awhile before i get there ,nice to have your input .There are places that model airplanes have better info. THANKS      DENNIS.

Comment by Bill Bear on February 23, 2021 at 7:53pm

Hi Dennis,

Rather than foam or putty, I used strips of felt.

First, I riveted an aluminum frame piece to the perimeter of the skylight opening.  This aluminum "under framing" piece is the part that is under and actually attached to the Lexan with 8-32 stainless steel screws and nylon nuts.  Another aluminum rolled edge framing piece is attached on top.  The Lexan has a felt  strip above and below the Lexan to cushion the skylight and keep out the weather.  The screws go through this added aluminum frame and the felt-Lexan sandwich.  With the rolled top strips and the felt, rain, snow, and air is kept out.  Securing the skylight this way will allow easy removal from the added frame if necessary without having to drill out rivets from the original airframe structure.  Yes I added a little weight, but servicing if required is a lot easier.  Also an A&P recommended a screw in the center to secure the lexan.  A bracket is added to the diagonal frame and another stainless 8-32 and nylon secures the panel between felt.  Skylight windows have "departed" super cubs and other aircraft and when that happens, it does bad stuff to rudders and vertical stabs.  So the center fastener is just a precaution.  I'll add a couple more pictures of my top window.  As per plans, the top of the windshield will overlap the skylight.  Another rolled aluminum strip will cover the lap joint.

Comment by DENNIS LONG on February 22, 2021 at 10:03am

Good day BILL ,was wandering if you put some foam strip between lexan and rivet heads thanks    DENNIS.

New from Zenith:

Zenith Planes For Sale 
 

Classified listing for buying or selling your Zenith building or flying related stuff...


Custom Instrument Panels
for your Zenith
:

Custom instrument panels are now available directly from Zenith Aircraft Company exclusively for Zenith builders and owners. Pre-cut panel, Dynon and Garmin avionics, and more.


Zenith Homecoming Tee:


Zenair Floats


Flying On Your Own Wings:
A Complete Guide to Understanding Light Airplane Design, by Chris Heintz


Builder & Pilot Supplies:

Aircraft Insurance:

 
 

West Coast USA:

 
Pro Builder Assistance:

 

Transition training:

Lavion Aero

K&S Aviation Services

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty for all your building and pilot supplies!

How to videos from HomebuiltHELP.com

Developed specifically for Zenith builders (by a builder) these videos on DVD are a great help in building your own kit plane by providing practical hands-on construction information. Visit HomebuiltHelp.com for the latest DVD titles.

© 2024   Created by Zenith.Aero.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service