C-150 for photos?

anyone out there that could suggest the
best way to remove the passenger window to take photos...

I know about unscrewing the retainer from the window... but just wanted to
know if there are any points to watch out for .. best speed etc...



First, I don't really believe you want to REMOVE the window...just allow it to
open to allow you to shoot through the window opening.

Second, the retaining parts vary on different models, so be careful with the
parts. Also, many of the 150/152/172s have long since lost the screw, so it may
not be an issue.

Third, don't rest your arms, elbows or the camera on any part of the airframe,
keep the camera back inside the cabin out of the slipstream, etc., etc.

On some Cessnas, you'll want to put some tape or slip a piece of hose over the
door-holding-open thingie on the underside of the wing to prevent damage to the
window in the fully open position.

Now, the important part... in flight, grasp the window latch firmly as you open
the window, hang on tightly and SLOWLY open the window until it is held against
the bottom of the wing by the slipstream.

Finally, I shoot aerial photos at a SAFE altitude, typically 1500' agl and at
low cruise speed - none of this slow flight, flaps down stuff.

CVBreard wrote:

Third, don't rest your arms, elbows or the camera on any part of the airframe,
keep the camera back inside the cabin out of the slipstream, etc., etc.


That's so there isn't any vibration transmitted through the airplane to
the camera. If you do need to rest it against any piece of the plane,
use a bean bag, which will dampen any vibration and stabilize it.

Finally, I shoot aerial photos at a SAFE altitude, typically 1500' agl and at
low cruise speed - none of this slow flight, flaps down stuff.


http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?e...12X17575&key=1
I used to know this airplane's previous owner (not the one who was killed)

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the "paperwork" associated with removal
of window.. it's great that everyone always mentions opening the window once
in flight...

For "removal" of the window and then flying sans window.. would that not
require a Form337 and approval?

To open the window once flying is not a problem.. just remember to hang on
until it stabilizes in the slip stream.. and if it's a bumpy day.. it could
slam down on your arm.. healthy slipstream also at 80-100mph

I once had a passenger in a C-172, feeling a bit warm in the bumps decided
he needed air to alleviate his queasiness.. and with no warning he unlatched
the window.. the resultant BANG.. got my attention.. power to idle.. my
first thought was a prop failure or a bird strike..

1 second later I realize his window is open.. after collecting my
thoughts... I gently reach over and closed it.. (it had stopped on the
window limit braces and not slammed up against the bottom of the wing) and
the showed him the wing root fresh air vents and put it full force on him.

BT
"Simone Canosa" wrote in message
...
Hi all... wondering if there is anyone out there that could suggest the
best way to remove the passenger window to take photos...

I know about unscrewing the retainer from the window... but just wanted to
know if there are any points to watch out for .. best speed etc...

The plane is not mine..and the flight school wouldn't be too thrilled if

a)I told them what I was planning to do
b) came back with a broken or REALLY scratched side window

Thanks to all,

)


Simon

Thanks to everyone... tons of usefull information,

Cheers

Simon



BTIZ wrote in message
DTyzb.2505$yf.2101@fed1read01...
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the "paperwork" associated with removal
of window.. it's great that everyone always mentions opening the window
once
in flight...

For "removal" of the window and then flying sans window.. would that not
require a Form337 and approval?

To open the window once flying is not a problem.. just remember to hang on
until it stabilizes in the slip stream.. and if it's a bumpy day.. it
could
slam down on your arm.. healthy slipstream also at 80-100mph

I once had a passenger in a C-172, feeling a bit warm in the bumps decided
he needed air to alleviate his queasiness.. and with no warning he
unlatched
the window.. the resultant BANG.. got my attention.. power to idle.. my
first thought was a prop failure or a bird strike..

1 second later I realize his window is open.. after collecting my
thoughts... I gently reach over and closed it.. (it had stopped on the
window limit braces and not slammed up against the bottom of the wing) and
the showed him the wing root fresh air vents and put it full force on him.

BT
"Simone Canosa" wrote in message
...
Hi all... wondering if there is anyone out there that could suggest the
best way to remove the passenger window to take photos...

I know about unscrewing the retainer from the window... but just wanted
to
know if there are any points to watch out for .. best speed etc...

The plane is not mine..and the flight school wouldn't be too thrilled
if

a)I told them what I was planning to do
b) came back with a broken or REALLY scratched side window

Thanks to all,

)


Simon

A couple of additional comments:

1.) I generally shoot behind the strut rather than ahead of it (between the
strut and the fuselage), and usually about the 9 o'clock or even 8 o'clock
position in an effort to keep the strut out of the image. I push the seat back
as far as safe.

2.) I generally shoot at 1/750th, even with the two Canon Image Stabilizing
lens 'on'. 400 speed film. I routinely shoot at 200 - 300mm f/l.

3.) You may want to check the window HINGES, particularly in older 150/152/172
series. They may not have been lubricated in DECADES. One of our PAPA members
reports losing a window in flight because the hinge failed.

4.) I've not encountered any significant yaw , pitch or roll problems in any of
the 150/152 and 172s I have flown with the pilot's side window open, no
tired-leg, etc.

5.) Altitude is your friend. The 1500' agl I typically shoot at gives me a
significant additional margin of safety (over, say, 1000' agl) if I have engine
trouble (and I did), generally has smoother air, fewer TV towers. If you can't
get acceptable images at 1500', maybe you need another lens (or camera). :-)