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   The latch you're referring to is also known as a Hartwell latch (ACS
P.443) and is in fact the same one commonly used on access doors. I plan
to use a pair of them for oil dipstick access. For larger panels at the
speeds we will be flying, I'd feel better using a more positive
retention system and therefore made my forward deck removable using the
recommended piano hinge method. My hinge wires are accessible with the
instrument panel and glareshield in place and I just use a short twist
of safety wire to secure them.

Bill


[My forward deck is removable via the piano hinge method as well, although
I've chosen to keep the pins in place by welding their very aft ends
into short 1/4-20 SS bolts which [will] thread into nuts affixed to the
deck inline with the hinges.  I don't want to have to remove the deck
just to check the batteries and hydraulics so have opted for the access
panels.  Should make preflights a bit more complete and easier to perform.
Anyway, I assume the 'Hartwell' latches will be sufficient ('98-'99 ACS
catalog, p 488, BTW), as they seem to have pretty wide acceptance on
certificated aircraft.  Thanks for your input.

   <Marv>    ]

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