At 14:05 01 August 2008, sisu1a wrote:
On Aug 1, 5:55 am, Ed Downham wrote:
Having flown with a variety of tinted/non-tinted canopies, I would say
that
on an average soaring day they seem to make very little difference to
vision and/or heating. In very low light levels (twilight/dark) I'd
prefer to be under a clear lid but practically it wouldn't make a
huge
difference.

IMHO you're probably better off with a clear canopy + cover + a
decent
pair of sunglasses: at least you can change/remove the sunglasses...

The "Perspex" normally used for glider canopies is transparent from
about 350nm and longer wavelengths, which includes part of the UVA
band.
There is enough energy in the photons there to cause skin/tissue
damage,
so although you might not visibly "burn" as much as in direct
sunlight,
it's not at all good for you. I'm a bit sensitive in this respect so
for
me high-factor sunblock is a must in a glider. You can get "UV 400"
Perspex which only lets in visible light but I've never heard of a
canopy
being made with it (maybe I should ask!)

Well, you didn't really ask, but here is is anyhow...
http://www.thermotecusa.com/
Ray Poquette has been making 98% UV blocker canopies of ALL flavors
for along time. Here is a link to his UV canopy chart:
http://www.thermotecusa.com/ThermoTe...lock%20Canopy%
20Info.htm

-Paul

Thanks Paul,

Interesting. I'm getting a new canopy for next season so will
investigate...

Ed.