From: Charley Brown <browncc1@verizon.net>
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Sent: Saturday, September 24, 2011 6:05 PM
Subject: [LML] Legacy canopy latching

I recently completed Legacy #299, N550KC.  At 200 kias, one canopy latch "failed" -- specifically, the hooks remained over center in position, but the canopy went up and around the hooks.  This is undoubtedly due to the gap between the canopy (striker plate) and the hooks being too large in the first place -- there was probably a 1/4-inch gap when I started, and I shimmed the striker plate out towards the hooks (laminated a duplicate 4619 striker plate about 1/10-inch thick onto the original plate).  But clearly I didn't close the gap enough.


My questions are: 

(A) Anyone else encounter similar issues?  Given the dimensional variation of composite parts, I can't be the only person who's addressed this.  How did you fix?

(B) Is everyone actually testing their airplanes up to 275 kias redline?

(C) Anyone add a backup latch or safety system?  I'm not talking about the Reno approach of hinging from the rear -- too radical a change for a mere mortal like me.

All thoughts welcome!

Charley Brown





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