> Chris Zavatson asked:
> Has anyone flown a 235/320/360 with the canopy open?  Are there any
> significant issues with flow over the tail.  We know the certified guys
> have to be able to fly with all the doors open.  I don't know if that
> has been tested in a Lancair.
>
On one of the early flights in my 320, the latch that I had designed failed
allowing the canopy to pop open on take off.  I was able to grab the strap
that I have on mine and hold it until my passenger was able to hold it.  We
were not able to shut it, it remained open an inch or so.  I slowed down,
turned to downwind and landed without any control problems.  I now have the
original latches (only 2) plus a heavy bungee that attaches to the strap
that I have in back center.  The bungee serves two functions, one as a
safety and the other is it allows me to unlatch for fresh air, while taxing
after landing.

Gary Melton
LNC2 N320GG 300 hours