I once flew a Piper Apache that had been modified for aerial surveys. The back seats had been removed and in place was one small seat for the camera operator. There was a large hole in the floor about 18" diameter with a glass cover. In flight the cover was removed and the camera inserted into the hole. Also there was a Plexiglass port in the floor so the pilot could view straight down. Most of the aerial surveys were done at 10,000 ft AGL and on a perfectly clear day. A cloud would cast a shadow on the ground and distort the pictures. I can't give any advice as to how the modifications should be done but if the glass cover could be removed and the camera inserted in flight in an Apache it should be safe to do it in a KR. Just keep it simple enough so you can do it without diverting too much time and attention from flying.
> [Original Message] > From: Serge F. Vidal <[email protected]> > To: KRnet <[email protected]> > Date: 1/11/04 2:31:07 PM > Subject: KR>Window under the passenger seat > > This one is for structure experts. > > I have been dreaming for a while of cutting a window (a clear hatch, if you > prefer) under the passenger seat. This would be a round window, about 12 cm > (say 6 inches) in diameter. I would use it when I fly solo, with the > passenger seat bottom cushion removed, as a camera window, to take pictures > (verticall, or at a deep angle). Ideally, it could open, so that I can get a > camera lens directly through it. > > Questions: > > - Is it feasible without weakening the structure? > - If yes, is 12cm / 6 inches diameter OK? > - How much must I reinforce (how thick must the reinforcement flange be?) > - How thick is the floor at that place? > - Any idea for the opening mechanism? > > Serge Vidal > KR2 ZS-WEC > Tunis, Tunisia > > > _______________________________________________ > see KRnet list details at http://www.krnet.org/instructions.html
