AN EVALUATION OF WINDOW GLASS FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER CABS

Seven samples of commercially available glass were evaluated to determine their suitability for use in air traffic control tower cabs. Spectral transmissivity measurements were made on each sample for all wavelengths in the visible spectrum. A small experimental tower cab was constructed near the NAFEC airport, and controllers evaluated the samples in the tower cab under day, night, dawn, and dusk viewing conditions. The controller ratings were analyzed and evaluated in terms of the optical transmissivity of the samples and the type of window; i.e., single pane and double pane. There were differences in the ratings of the samples, and the relative merit of the samples depended, in part, on the time of day the ratings were made. An unexpected factor in the ratings was the appearance of internal reflections in the double pane windows at night. Color illustrations reproduced in black and white.

• Corporate Authors:

  NATIONAL AVIATION FACILITIES EXPERIMENTAL CENTER

  ATLANTIC CITY, NJ  United States 
• Authors:
  • Paul, L
  • Bradley, J R
  • Martin, D A
• Publication Date: 1976-10

Media Info

• Pagination: 45 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Airport control towers; Days; Evaluation; Glass; Night; Optical properties; Reflectivity; Visibility
• Old TRIS Terms: Control tower cabs; Double paned windows; Windows
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00145527
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FAA-RD-76-105 Final Rpt., FAA-NA-76-13
• Files: NTIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 16 1977 12:00AM