Aircraft window installation method

1. A method of installing a window on an aircraft fuselage, comprising:

mounting a window frame, having a perimeter, on an inner surface of the fuselage;

installing a plurality of receptacles on the window frame around the perimeter thereof;

installing a seal on a window assembly;

mounting a plurality of retention clips on the window assembly; and

installing the window assembly on the window frame by inserting each retention clip into one of the plurality of receptacles.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein installing the window assembly on the frame includes:

aligning each retention clip with a respective one of the plurality of the receptacles; and

depressing tabs on the retention clips to force plugs on the clips into sockets on the receptacles.

3. A method in accordance with claim 2 , wherein depressing the tabs is continued until an audible snap is produced by the receipt of the plugs into the sockets.

4. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein mounting the plurality of retention clips on the window assembly comprises attaching the clips to the seal.

5. A method in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising centering the window assembly on the frame during the installation by allowing the retention clips to move within the receptacles during insertion.

6. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein mounting the window frame on the fuselage further comprises:

mounting an outboard structural window on the window frame;

placing a first seal between the outboard window and the frame;

mounting a plurality of brackets on the frame;

mounting a plurality of spring clips respectively on the brackets; and

mounting a receptacle on an end of each of the spring clips.

7. A method in accordance with claim 6 , wherein installing the window assembly on the window frame comprises inserting a plug on each of the retention clips into a socket on a corresponding one of the receptacles by applying a force to one end of the retention clip until an audible snap is produced.

8. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the window assembly includes an inner window, and the seal is attached to the inner window, and further comprising:

mounting the window assembly on a sidewall panel of the fuselage;

attaching the plurality of retention clips to the seal;

aligning the window assembly with the window frame; and

placing the window assembly against the window frame.

9. A method in accordance with claim 8 , wherein installing the window assembly on the window frame comprises inserting a plug on each of the retention clips into a socket on a corresponding one of the receptacles by applying a force to one end of the retention clip until an audible snap is produced.

10. A method in accordance with claim 8 , wherein installing the window assembly on the window frame comprises:

aligning each retention clip with a respective one of the plurality of the receptacles; and

depressing tabs on the retention clips to force plugs on the clips into sockets on the receptacles.

11. A method of installing a window assembly on an aircraft fuselage, comprising:

mounting a window frame, having a perimeter, on an interior surface of the fuselage;

installing a plurality of receptacles around the perimeter of the window frame on the interior surface of the fuselage;

installing a seal on a window assembly;

mounting a plurality of retention clips on the window assembly; and

inserting each retention clip into a respective one of the receptacles, to attach the window assembly to the window frame.

12. A method in accordance with claim 11 , wherein installing the window assembly on the frame includes:

aligning each retention clip with a respective one of the plurality of the receptacles; and

depressing tabs on the retention clips to force plugs on the clips into sockets on the receptacles.

13. A method in accordance with claim 12 , wherein depressing the tabs is continued until an audible snap is produced by the receipt of the plugs into the sockets.

14. A method in accordance with claim 11 , wherein mounting the plurality of retention clips on the window assembly comprises attaching the retention clips to the seal.

15. A method in accordance with claim 11 , further comprising centering the window assembly on the frame during the installation by causing the retention clips to move within the receptacles during insertion.

16. A method of installing a window on a fuselage of an aircraft, comprising:

assembling an outer window assembly by—

mounting a window frame on the fuselage;

mounting an outboard structural window on the frame;

placing a first seal between the outboard window and the frame;

mounting a plurality of brackets on the frame;

mounting a plurality of spring clips respectively on the brackets;

mounting a receptacle on an end of each of the spring clips;

assembling an inner window assembly by—

mounting an inner window on a sidewall panel of the fuselage;

attaching a second seal to the inner window;

attaching a plurality of retention clips to the second seal;

aligning the inner and outer window assemblies;

placing the inner window assembly on the outer window assembly; and

inserting a plug on each of the retention clips into a socket on a corresponding one of the receptacles by applying a force to one end of the retention clip until an audible snap is produced, to attach the inner window assembly to the outer window assembly.

17. A method in accordance with claim 16 , wherein applying a force to one end of the retention clip comprises depressing a tab on the one end of the retention clip to force the plug into the respective socket.

18. A method in accordance with claim 16 , further comprising centering the inner window assembly on the frame during the installation by allowing the retention clips to move within the receptacles during insertion.