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My
thoughts have been running similar to Jim¢s, but rather than make it a
checklist item it would be automatic, like the safety catch on a car hood.
To enter
the plane unlatch the canopy in the usual way, raise it 1-2 inches, slip your
fingers under the edge to release the safety catch, open the canopy all the
way.
During
taxi the safety catch would automatically engage, yet allow ventilation. If the
pilot takes off the latch would prevent the large excursions, 6-12 inches,
which seem to be part of a feedback loop producing the large oscillations.
Since
it is automatic it is not a checklist item and cannot be forgotten.
Regards, Bill Hannahan
--- On Tue, 2/10/09, Jim Scales <joscales98@hotmail.com> wrote:
From: Jim Scales <joscales98@hotmail.com>
Subject: [LML] Re: Legacy damaged
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 11:32 AM
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.
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