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-   -   Broken piece on corner of tilt canopy (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=131860)

MeAndMyToys 11-26-2015 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowflake (Post 1032779)
All of the talk about clamps, stronger struts, etc. are all sidestepping the root cause of the problem, that the canopy was left open while moving the aircraft. A cracked canopy is a painful (and expensive) way to learn that lesson.

When I bought my tip-up -6, one of the other RV owners on the field told me to never trust the pistons, and never leave the canopy open (a) unattended or (b) while moving the aircraft.

He said he wasn`t moving it, it was in the hangar and he was sitting in it playing with the avionics.

Brantel 11-26-2015 10:47 AM

I use the clamps for extra protection. I don't move it with the canopy open and I don't leave it open unattended. I use the clamps so I don't have to constantly be in fear of it slamming shut. This can happen at almost any time and I have gotten away with it at least once and once was enough for me to realize the clamps are not a bad idea to use.

RV7A Flyer 11-26-2015 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Buchanan (Post 1032347)
Or...you could just take a 6" length of 3/8" fuel hose, slit it length-wise, and slip it over the strut push rod for a nifty safety that will keep the canopy open. I carry a couple of them in the flight kit.

I would be concerned about that clamp-thingie marring the strut pushrod and ruining the seal.

I made one out of some stiff (don't know the exact dimensions) Parker nylon or polyethylene or whatever tubing, slit down the side. Slides right on, and there's no way that baby is coming down with it in place.

Yep, had it slam shut once and scared the bejebers out of me, so I came up with that solution. However, I like the looks of the clamps. Might have to get some and check them out.

Snowflake 11-26-2015 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeAndMyToys (Post 1032808)
He said he wasn`t moving it, it was in the hangar and he was sitting in it playing with the avionics.

Oops, you're right. I missed the reply with that detail. If it just closed while sitting there, then maybe there *is* a problem with one of the pistons?

I know i've seen the piston part numbers posted here on VAF in the past, and people have posted the next size up in piston as well, which has a little more force. Personally I don't think you need more force over the stock piston, the stock one works great when it's working the way it should.


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