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.