Tinting and vents
Bob, just a data point for you.
Before I ordered my canopy from VANS I asked Barb what it would cost extra to have it tinted. The reply I got was that the standard was tinted and it WAS quite considerable. My memory, which is way beyond TBO, says 30%. It is not obvious until you see it beside a bit of truely clear plixiglass, or look at explicitly. I have just been out to the hanger to confirm this.
I think that tinting it more (if you can), may not cut down the heat, just make it absorb more and more heat, like a black body, until you cant see out but are really coooking!
In the -4 I am building, to fly mostly in the N UK, I already have 2 vents, and plan on a third to get air around my head. I am remembering how hot it can get in sailplanes. Perhaps you need to invest in more vents, a shade and a hat? Just a thought.
Good luck!
PS Please send some of that Texan sunshine this way!
