Hi,
I saw a Turbo Arrow with a one piece windshield installed, first one piece I had seen on a PA28 series. I noticed that the center brace was still in place and had not been removed. Therefore, I am wondering what all the flap is about having the one piece on a Cherokee.
A one piece windshield install on a Comanche, eliminates the center post in the winshield totally.
I don't know about the Commanche, but in the PA28, the old center frame/post, is removed and replaced with a different type of tubular center post for structural reasons.
Although I like the look of the one piece, it is heavier because it has to be thicker, and you still have a post to interrupt your vision.
I don't have a 1 piece in my Cherokee but I fly in one that does fairly regularly and for some reason I haven't quite figured out completly, it does seem to offer greater visibility. The tubular center support is slightly smaller than the original but I don't think it's small enough to be the cause of what may be just an illusion. The only thing that continualy comes to mind is that it is related to an issue with the amount of light entering the cockpit thru the windshield. It is a fairly labor intensive mod but to be honest, I would do it if I could afford it.
If you use the smoke grey windshield, you can't really see the center support from the outside. They look very nice, but are a chore to install. I'd do it again.
Great lakes Aero also has this STC for the one piece windshield. I seem to remember it being rather expensive as oppossed to replacing the existing 2 piece. it is correct that on the Warrior you will end up with a center support for structural reasons.
