Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
To:  lml@lancaironline.net
Date: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 07:28:33 -0500
Message-ID: <redirect-6760643@logan.com>
Received-SPF: none
 receiver=logan.com; client-ip=192.146.156.111; envelope-from=DBaleshta@tru.ca
From: Doug Baleshta <DBaleshta@tru.ca>
Subject: RE: [LML] Re: Canopy Latch modeling
Thread-Topic: [LML] Re: Canopy Latch modeling
Thread-Index: AQHPN98CGu5C64BuuEOT7tfUX8CAc5rRVWAQ
References: <list-6759762@logan.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-6759762@logan.com>
Accept-Language: en-US
Content-Language: en-US
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
MIME-Version: 1.0

I used a trunk closing system out of a Lincoln Continental for the latching=
 system on my forward tilting Lancair 360.  The motor sits inside the canop=
y and the attachment is mounted to the roll cage (with Carbon Fiber reinfor=
cement) in the middle top.  I have a remote FOB that allows me to close the=
 canopy and lock it when not in use.  I have three release systems for it: =
 one is electrical mounted on the panel, there's a tab located on the roll =
cage on the mechanism which unlocks it (in case of electrical failure) and =
I have a lockable handle on a small aircraft cable (that I leave unlocked -=
 need to add this in my check list ;-) located on the outside that is placa=
rded for emergency opening.

Issues with this:
- The main pull down is not enough to keep the bottom edges tight against t=
he rail.  Once in cruising speed the amount of force is able to lift the bo=
ttom corners and allows air to flow.  My canopy edges do extend past the ra=
il, but there still enough force to somehow bulge and expand it.
- When closing, there are two latch positions.  The first position just hol=
ds the canopy slightly open/closed and allows air to flow.  The electrical =
system will close it down tighter after the run-up etc. when I read my chec=
k list...  Yes, I have taken off without remembering to do the final pull d=
own and there was no problem, the canopy sat around 2 inches above the uppe=
r surface but is held by the mechanism
- I have an additional latch at the bottom on each side in addition to the =
main pull down which keeps the edges tight which is the last thing I do bef=
ore the take-off roll and counters my first comment
- I keep a tool on the key chain and in the console glove box that will sha=
tter the plexi in case of emergencies.  I've heard that some keep a small h=
atchet in there as well...
- If I am going to crash land then I will need to remember to release the s=
ide latches as they are not accessible from the outside
- If I am upside down, it's going to be very difficult to egress from the p=
lane even if everything is unlocked/released with any system
- There is a chance that an accident may damage the mechanism and jam it, b=
ut if I have to get out, then I have the tools to shatter the plexi.
- there's now a bunch of hardware between the passenger and pilot's head.  =
I have covered this with foam for some protection.  When I read Paul's note=
 about Seat Belts this may or may not be a good thing to prevent the sidewa=
ys motion in a crash?

I know of one other person who just has the latch mechanisms located at the=
 bottom of each side with the plane placarded "Use An Axe To Remove Occupan=
ts In Case Of An Emergency".

Doug
12 hours and lots more to go...


-----Original Message-----
From: Lancair Mailing List [mailto:lml@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Paul=
 Miller
Sent: March-04-14 11:22 AM
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Subject: [LML] Re: Canopy Latch modeling

Kevin, I share the concern about egress.  My Legacy has pins in the rear wi=
ndow that can be pulled and drop the window from inside.  I think that give=
s me some comfort.  however, upside down, who knows what condition the cabi=
n might be in.  As a matter of interest, does anyone know if the canopy wil=
l shatter with one of the hammers sold for that purpose?

Paul


--
For archives and unsub http://mail.lancaironline.net:81/lists/lml/List.html