Q400
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Time Pressure; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Work Refused
Company Policy; Human Factors
This morning [I] asked for a 'bug wash' to clean bugs off the windscreen from the day before. (This should be done automatically this time of year) didn't happen. Took plane to [another airport] asked twice for a 'bug wash' didn't happen. Collected more bugs on the way there. Continued to [another airport]. Collected even more bugs; asked [them] 3 times for a window wash. They said ok; didn't happen. Asked again [them]; flat out refused to do one and pushed us out! I did not want to fly the airplane at that point with 2 full days of bugs all over the windows! This is a SAFETY OF FLIGHT issue. We cannot 'see and avoid' as required by FARs with so many obstructions on the window. I cannot believe the company is okay with this! Expect one of these reports each leg this happens until it is rectified. Summertime brings many bugs out and they cover the airplane. The front windscreen should be cleared every leg automatically. I don't even care if they keep the supplies IN the aircraft; I will wash it myself every leg!  This is SAFETY OF FLIGHT and impedes required FARs to see and avoid traffic; etc. I cannot stress enough the importance of this! Refusal of a window wash possibly due to time pressure on the station.
Q400 First Officer reported he had difficulty getting the windshield washed clear of bugs because station personnel were reluctant to take the time to do so.