tip up canopy release: Yes or No

gsimatos · Post by **gsimatos** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 3:03 pm

I am just getting ready to tackle the canopy and I see on many of the builder web sites that the quick release for the canopy is omitted and bolts are used in its place. This would sure simplify things and free up some space behind the panel but I wonder about going away from the original design. Would any of you have some thoughts on this? I would be interested to hear from you. Thanks G

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 3:14 pm

I put mine in, but I didn't run it thru the panel. The release "T" handle runs straight down from the mechanism.

This will allow the canopy to come off easily if maintenance is needed.

Brantel · Post by **Brantel** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 3:28 pm

Ain't using it because I want my radio stack to go right thru that area. Chad's solution is very cool if you don't need anything to go thru there.

weezbad · Post by **weezbad** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:45 pm

installed mine per plans but,,,, i may not cut the slits in the fwd upper skin.

gsimatos · Post by **gsimatos** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:24 pm

Thanks you guys. Chad I was wondering how the "T" handle retracts the pins in that position in the photo?? Thanks G

1:1_Scale · Post by **1:1_Scale** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:07 pm

Looks like you just reach under the panel and give it a twist?

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:15 pm

Yep, just give it a twist, and it releases the pins. It's really easy to do without the front deck skin on, but once that is in place, you need pliers to get it to budge.

This is not my original idea...I stole it from Bill Repucci. Works great though!

cnpeters · Post by **cnpeters** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 10:15 pm

But getting back to the original post - how many people have really used this feature for future maintenance? I'm not sure I've heard anyone needing or using it. Is it a nice thing to have if you have the room?

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 8:26 am

With there being so few completions on this board, we probably won't get a good sample here.

In my case, I did not need that subpanel space, so it was an easy choice to put it in, just in case I ever did need to remove the canopy.

I do know of one person that said he removes his canopy at each condition inspection, but I doubt that's the majority.

gsimatos · Post by **gsimatos** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 5:46 pm

Chad,
Seems to me with the excellent exposure of the "behind the panel" area, your arrangement might be the best of both worlds. Even as designed, it would be dicey to attempt to jetison the canopy in flight, don't you think??

aparchment · Post by **aparchment** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 6:57 pm

Aw heck, who needs a head? Thinking is so overrated.

gsimatos wrote:Chad,
Seems to me with the excellent exposure of the "behind the panel" area, your arrangement might be the best of both worlds. Even as designed, it would be dicey to attempt to jetison the canopy in flight, don't you think??

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:19 pm

gsimatos wrote:Chad,
Seems to me with the excellent exposure of the "behind the panel" area, your arrangement might be the best of both worlds. Even as designed, it would be dicey to attempt to jetison the canopy in flight, don't you think??

The problem I see in jettisoning the canopy in flight is the number of things that have to go right to get it to work.

1) Twist the rear top handle.
2) Un-attach BOTH canopy struts (these could theoretically rip out, but it's never been done, and I doubt they would let go).
3) Pull the handle, and HOPE that the fiberglass covers over the hinges break...you did cut the skins, and glass over them, right?

Oh, and you wear a parachute all the time too, right? What good is a canopy jettison to get out of the airplane if you're jumping to your death anyway?

And if the canopy does come off, does your head go with it?

There's also the argument that the jettison is not for inflight release. That it's there for quick ground egress. Doing all those steps above is not quick...but it could work if your not upside down for some reason. If you're right side up, why not just open it normally?

Those are my thoughts on the subject...

weezbad · Post by **weezbad** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 2:51 pm

i was thinking the canopy may leave the aircraft from lifting up in the front. not from opening at the back.if so i wouldnt worry som much about the head removal part.

as far as jumping to your death and at the risk of being totally morbid..
ever seen a burn victim? the jumping will result in a body to recover. the staying in usually resulsts in parts that look like halloween coustme parts, as it was described to me by a friend that recovers victims from crash scenes.

oh and what if the plane were on fire? i really dont want to burn to death. at least this way i can jump and close my eyes for a minute. or take ten times as long and burn to death.

moderators , feel free( i know you do ) to remove if to graphic, i understand .

Brantel · Post by **Brantel** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 3:36 pm

If I was in this situation and I was going to jump out without a chute...(Yes I would if I knew there were no other way, burning is not my idea of a way to go), I would pull that sucker up to a stall, open the latch and push that canopy up and get out. It would open if you slowed it down.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 3:44 pm

I do agree...plane on fire, I'm jumping. I also agree that the canopy will open at a slow enough speed, so the jettison function is irrelevant if opening the canopy.

There is a *slight* chance one could live from a jump without a 'chute as well. It has happened...land in a tree just right...through the roof of a hay barn...happen to land on a giant airbag for stunts...

weezbad · Post by **weezbad** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 4:01 pm

cjensen wrote:I do agree...plane on fire, I'm jumping. I also agree that the canopy will open at a slow enough speed, so the jettison function is irrelevant if opening the canopy.

There is a *slight* chance one could live from a jump without a 'chute as well. It has happened...land in a tree just right...through the roof of a hay barn...happen to land on a giant airbag for stunts...

Chad i am impressed yet again at your thinking...an optimist to the last shred of hope... ........stunt air bag wow should i end up falling as previously mentioned i will keep my options open..and here i was gonna close my eyes...wow you could have saved my life...

THE FIRST TIME I MEET YOU I WILL BUY YOU A 6 PACK OF FRUITY BEER OF YOUR CHOICE.

your almost on my hero list dude.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 4:05 pm

ALMOST!!??

You never know what's below!

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 6:37 am

Hey guys, I had to say something about this because it is something I have been stewing over too.

In the not too distant past I posted some pics of Jack R's plane. I was talking to him and saying that I wanted to use the center of the panel for my radio stack. The ''hat part'' (part shaped like a hat that stiffens the sub panel) is in the way. I suggested relocating the jettison hardware and moving it 5-6'' to the passenger's side. He said, ''You mean like I did''? (pics are in my gallery)

Needless to say, I want to have my cake and eat it too. It takes a bit of modification, but I am going to try it... regardless of the fact that I will likely never ever use the release mechanism in flight.

...my two!

(WOW! that was hard to type on this palmtop device! You won't see too many replies from me while I am on the road!)

CJ

weezbad · Post by **weezbad** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 6:51 am

captain_john wrote: ...my two!

(WOW! that was hard to type on this palmtop device! You won't see too many replies from me while I am on the road!)

CJ

i feel your pain.

Rockyjs · Post by **Rockyjs** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 9:40 pm

During the build I've removed the canopy a few times. I ended up cutting the T handle into a short L and terminated it at the sub-panel with an Adel clamp. I decided that I wouldn't jettison the canopy in-flight so my release is installed for maintenance only. I know the canopy will be coming off after phase I for painting. If you ever need to do panel work at a later date, it's very convenient to pull the handle and remove the canopy for great access.

RivetBangers.com

tip up canopy release: Yes or No

tip up canopy release: Yes or No

Jettison the Hatch -- not a big deal!