lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

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 canopy and the attachment is mounted to the roll cage (with Carbon Fiber reinforcement) 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 placarded for emergency opening. Issues with this: - The main pull down is not enough to keep the bottom edges tight against the rail. Once in cruising speed the amount of force is able to lift the bottom corners and allows air to flow. My canopy edges do extend past the rail, but there still enough force to somehow bulge and expand it. - When closing, there are two latch positions. The first position just holds 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 check list... Yes, I have taken off without remembering to do the final pull down and there was no problem, the canopy sat around 2 inches above the upper 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 before 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 shatter the plexi in case of emergencies. I've heard that some keep a small hatchet in there as well... - If I am going to crash land then I will need to remember to release the side 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 plane even if everything is unlocked/released with any system - There is a chance that an accident may damage the mechanism and jam it, but 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 sideways 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 Occupants 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 window that can be pulled and drop the window from inside. I think that gives me some comfort. however, upside down, who knows what condition the cabin might be in. As a matter of interest, does anyone know if the canopy will shatter with one of the hammers sold for that purpose? Paul -- For archives and unsub http://mail.lancaironline.net:81/lists/lml/List.html