SonexBuilders.net

I posted the following on the Yahoo Groups Sonextalk forum but thought I would also post here.

I've been working on an instrument panel idea that provides more space and uses up what I think is some wasted space above the glare shield.

Pictures are posted in flickr.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidwitt/sets/72157631543510288/

The panel ends up with a flat area that is 8" high x 27" wide and a 10 degree tilt back. The top corners are chamfered and bottom triangles are angled towards the front. The panel is 1-1/2" closer to the pilot to leave 11-1/2" behind the panel for long radios or other instruments without hitting the fuel tank. The panel should be big enough for a couple of Garmin 375s and a short radio stack.

My question to those flying is how much of the glare shield is visible when flying. I've tried to use up what I perceive to be wasted space in terms of field of view. On the left side, the extended panel does no obstruct my view at all but to the right there is a bit of an obstruction. About 1-1/2" high. If I move my head I can see over this and I currently have no seat cushions in place.

Does this seem like a good idea or am I missing something.

Thanks
Dave Witt
#767

Dave, with a bit of planning, no extra space is needed beyond the stock panel. If I had to add any sub-panels, I would go for the lower areas rather than above. Visibility may or may not factor in with an upper panel but personally I think an upper panel reduces the aesthetics (what little of it there may be) of the glareshield. Leg/kneeroom is compromised with the lowers so beware.