Can anyone enlighten me as to what the black square in the center of the windshield of the Beechcraft Baron 58 is? I

George,It's the windshield heater.Ulf B

Thanks Ulf B,I don

The Baron uses several methods.The plane I have has instead of the heated windshield-alcohol that squirts on the windshield and props, and boots on the wings. It works very well until you run out of alcohol-which at full use lasts about 40 minutes. This type of system is really designed to get you out of icing conditions should you encounter them when unexpected-and thus is not certified for known icing.The heated windshield, heated props can (not always) give a "known icing" certification. You will see this arrangement on lots of higher end props-not just the Baron.http://mywebpages.comcast.net/geofa/pages/rxp-pilot.jpg

Thanks Geofa,George