Rain, rain blow away
Most GA aircraft do not have windshield wipers
The movie was one of the answers to those odd questions you ask yourself—especially when you’re driving through a vicious rainstorm—who thought of this?
Commercial aircraft have windshield wipers, but for the most part, general aviation aircraft do not. This is because the air stream from the propeller should blow the rain off the windshield. If the rain is heavy and it is accumulating, you are below VFR minimums.
On an airliner, the wipers serve to increase visibility as the water runs over the nose cone, especially on taxi, takeoff, and landing. Once the airplane is in flight, the wipers are turned off. Most military jets also do not have wipers mainly because of their speeds but pilots use bleed air to blow off rain, ice, or snow. Some business jets also use bleed air.
Most aircraft windows are acrylic plastic. Some pilots wax their windshields with products to help the rain bead up and flow away, such as Rain-X Plastic Water Repellent, but at their own risk because it is not recommended for acrylic sheet products, such as windshields or windows on many general aviation aircraft. Rain-X helps improve visibility by repelling rain, sleet, and snow.
Flying through a light rainstorm can be meditative; but storm clouds are warning signs. Heed them and stay on the ground. Let Kearns’ invention take care of you in your car.
Did you know?
Actor Greg Kinnear is a vocal supporter of public benefit flying—think Angel Flight or LightHawk—and volunteers annually to support the Endeavor Awards, which recognize the important work of those pilots who volunteer their time and aircraft for humanitarian reasons. Kinnear has repeatedly vocalized his desire to learn to fly. The annual Endeavor Awards are held in May and recognize inspiring pilots and volunteers.
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