Greetings all.  I'm new here and hello to everyone.  I'm not building but looking for a 320/360 to buy.  Any leads anyone ?

As for the idea to open a door or window before a crash, years ago, in the 70's, I worked with a Vietnam Vet that was involved in safety and crash investigation of all of whatever the Army could fly and crash.  Many, but not all of his investigation took place in Viet Nam.  We were talking one day about the emergency procedures for an off airport landing and I mentioned the prop the door open training that I had received and how easy it was to prop open the door on a Cessna.  Unlatch the door, push it out and then rotate the handle to latch which now kept the door from latching unless the handle moved.

He told me that consistently in all of their investigations, an open door compromises structural integrity and results in far greater damage to the craft and injuries to the occupants.  Based on the investigations, the Army directive was to "close/keep closed"  any doors.  Many of the investigations were on Huey's and they have large doors.  I can see that the removal of the hatch area as a structural component of a Lancair Legacy type compromises a very large section of the fuselage.  As usual your mileage may vary.

Kevin
Naples/Ottumwa
N5601T
round engines