I don’t understand how it is possible to take off with the canopy unlatched. I don’t mean to express criticism, rather bewilderment.

I have twice failed to latch the canopy on my Legacy prior to applying full power for takeoff. Both times, as soon as full power was applied the canopy lifted 3-4 inches. I pulled the power to idle, stopped the aircraft and secured the canopy. Then kicked myself and continued on my way.

I know every aircraft is different. Is it that on some aircraft the canopy fit is so tight that an unlatched canopy doesn’t open until the airspeed passes some threshold? In my cases the prop wash at full power was sufficient to lift the canopy.

Jay Phillips