Page 15 - April 2015 Volume 9, Number 4

spreads to a wider area. Windshield delamination is acceptable as long as it does not interfere with the line of sight. I have seen windshields with delaminated areas that have remained within acceptable limits for many hundreds of hours.
In the photograph (on page 12), there is an example of delamination near the frame. This delamination was not what condemned the windshield; rather, the cracks running through and around the delaminated area were the culprits. The delaminated area was present before the cracks developed, and the windshield was acceptable until the cracks appeared. Also in the photos, you will see a fully fractured windshield – this is what happens when the inner pane decides to go.
Windshield Failure – A Non-Event
In general, the windshields in a King Air are extremely durable and designed to last thousands of hours. Since they don’t fail very often in the career of the average owner/operator, it can be very startling when it happens. But, as expert King Air pilot Tom Clements says, “A windshield failure in flight is a non-event in a King Air.” The procedure to follow is right there in your POH. You might have to move from the left seat to the right and fly from there in order to see better; but other than that you should be good to go.
Fly safely, as always. KA
About the Author: Dean Benedict is a certified A&P, AI, and has almost 40 years of experience in King Air maintenance. He is president of Honest Air, Inc., which specializes in Beechcraft King Air maintenance and repair.
If there is a particular main­ tenance issue you would like Dean to address in a future issue, please email Editor Kim Blonigen at kblonigen@cox.net.
APRIL 2015
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 13