If these "oscillations" occur, they are most likely caused by a pilot diverting his attention from flying a very controllable airplane to attempting to shut a canopy that doesn't need to be shut, with predictable results.
As I've said, I've had two canopy unlatched incidents and noticed no adverse flight characteristics.
The lesson is to keep your act together and fly the airplane. Many don't, and that is the problem.
I've nothing against systems to keep you from having an open canopy in flight, be it rigorous checklist use or electro-mechanical gadgets, but you've got to keep your head on straight when things go wrong.
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:38:05 -0500
From: mjrav@comcast.net
Subject: [LML] Re: Legacy damaged
Another two cents from a 360 guy.
One of my 4 latches opened in flight once. I've
always insisted on being the one to latch them since.
I can see the possibility that someone in a Legacy might
have no problem with uncontrollability one time and have a serious problem on
another occasion. The description, as I read it, suggests an oscillation
happening. So, if in smooth air, a steady handed pilot brings it back
around for landing he might never start this oscillation. Once this
elusive oscillation begins, maybe it is hard to make it stop - or even
impossible.
My (small tail) 360 will pitch oscillate on
takeoff when heavily loaded and having an aft CG unless I take steps to
prevent it.
I suspect an unlatched canopy would aggravate the
problem. Having more speed and some
flaps down longer will help.
Mark Ravinski
360 1455 hrs on the plane - 1085 of it
mine.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2009 1:32
PM
Subject: [LML] Re: Legacy damaged
Being an ES flyer I am not really qualified to enter this thread but I
will anyway. Just a tinkerer's thoughts.
An item for a checklist on the hinged canopy could be "Check Canopy
Safety Catch". It would refer to a safety chain (or cable) very
similar to that which is used for security on a door in a hotel. I'm
sure the assembly would need to be stronger but the design could be
similar, very simple and pretty well fool proof (as long as it is connected,
of course).
I would think this would control the problem, if the latch
releases, by holding the canopy to maximum opening of a couple of
inches. No need to attempt to close it. No electronics. No chance
of failure of micro switches, lights or horns. Very inexpensive.
It does not insure that the canopy latches are properly operated but, if
the reports of controllability when the canopy pops are correct, it would
prevent serious problems and allow the plane to be landed safely. It
would also function in the case of a late canopy release such as in cruise, in
which case warning systems would be of little value.
If this line of thought has been followed in the past, and found to be a
non-solution, I apologize for taking up space.
Just a thought.............
Jim Scales
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, February 09, 2009 11:49
PM
Subject: [LML] Legacy damaged
Forget about winch systems, etc. for the canopy. If it comes
open in-flight, ignore it and land the plane as soon as practical, close the
canopy and go about your business.
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