Handholds

[DonFromTX]

Only if you are tall. I am 5 ft 7 and tried that, I lack about 10 inches from being able to reach the latch.

Originally Posted by DaleB

Don, another 12 pilot in my EAA chapter pointed out that you can reach the canopy latch when you stand at the back of the wing. I felt a little silly after trying it... considering the dozens of times I crawled hoisted myself up on the wing to do it.

[DonFromTX]

I have a fairly short inseam, but tried this and there is no way I could ever do that even when I was young and agile. I think it would take some long legs (at least a lot longer than mine) to make that giant step into the cockpit.
Back to the old drawing board I guess.

Originally Posted by todehnal

Now, for my ingress/egress story. I'm 78, and my wife is a few years my junior. We struggled for a reasonable solution for getting in and out of our new bird. Then, we came across an article that I think was written by Dick VanGrunsven himself. In fact, I even think there was a short video sowing how it is done. The pilot, and passenger procedures are mirror image actions. You walk up to your side of the airplane facing the fuselage at the forward wing root. With a hand on the canopy rail, and using your forward foot, step up on the step. Now merely step into the floor of the cockpit with your other foot, and stand up. No need to use the wing at all. Getting out is just a reverse procedure. The only tricky part is knowing exactly where the step is located, as you won't see it as you exit. You soon learn that it directly in line with the face of the instrument panel. It will take a few attempts, but it serves us very well now. Hope this helps.....Tom

[joedallas]

Don

I have the same problem

I am 5'-10" and have a 29" inseam and can't reach the handle on the top, that's why I put a servo for the latch and still have not come up with a good answer on how to get into the aircraft with out a ladder.

Any good ideas are welcome

Joe Dallas

Originally Posted by DonFromTX

I have a fairly short inseam, but tried this and there is no way I could ever do that even when I was young and agile. I think it would take some long legs (at least a lot longer than mine) to make that giant step into the cockpit.
Back to the old drawing board I guess.

[DonFromTX]

I intend to do more research and come up with a way, will keep you informed. Right now what seems likely is a "drawer pull" mounted on the roll bar structure. Perhaps one on the fiberglass portion of the canopy skirt would do it too, will try some ideas out. Maybe even a step half way up the current step arm.

Originally Posted by joedallas

Don

I have the same problem

I am 5'-10" and have a 29" inseam and can't reach the handle on the top, that's why I put a servo for the latch and still have not come up with a good answer on how to get into the aircraft with out a ladder.

Any good ideas are welcome

Joe Dallas

[DonFromTX]

Experimenting some today, the really big problem is getting the darned canopy unlatched! Once it is open, many avenues open up to enter. Am dreaming of some sort of remote latch down on the side where it can be reached by short people. Would like to stay away from electric remote stuff if possible. Maybe even ignoring the main latch and adding a simple one down low on pilot side. Come on guys and gals, help me think of something!

[rv9builder]

Would this lightweight plastic stool work?

http://www.rubbermaid.com/en-US/shop...ols/step-stool

Stand on the stool to reach the latch. Lift the canopy, put the stool in the baggage compartment, and enter the plane the usual way.

At the end of the flight, set the stool on the wing or toss it onto the ground, then exit the plane the usual way. You can then stand on the stool to latch the canopy. If you need to leave the plane on the ramp, tie the stool to a tie-down chain so it doesn?t blow away.

[joedallas]

Don

I would leave the handle that vans has for flight and would make a cam lock on each side to lock down the canopy when left outside your hanger
The cam locks need to pull the canopy down tight to keep out the rain and lock the aircraft.
Some ideas

http://www.hendricksmfg.com/

http://www.hendricksmfg.com/movie/rightlatch.html

My View

Joe Dallas

Originally Posted by DonFromTX

Experimenting some today, the really big problem is getting the darned canopy unlatched! Once it is open, many avenues open up to enter. Am dreaming of some sort of remote latch down on the side where it can be reached by short people. Would like to stay away from electric remote stuff if possible. Maybe even ignoring the main latch and adding a simple one down low on pilot side. Come on guys and gals, help me think of something!

[dbhill916]

Originally Posted by DonFromTX

Experimenting some today, the really big problem is getting the darned canopy unlatched! Once it is open, many avenues open up to enter. Am dreaming of some sort of remote latch down on the side where it can be reached by short people. Would like to stay away from electric remote stuff if possible. Maybe even ignoring the main latch and adding a simple one down low on pilot side. Come on guys and gals, help me think of something!

I use my hat. I didn't use to wear a baseball cap, but now my plane is "equipped" with a hat that typically stays on the left wing root. When I want to enter, I use it to hook the outside handle and get it out of the way to open the canopy. After that, I put it on shade my eyes when I go fly!

[DonFromTX]

Great idea! I am going to have to try that one!

[mclark.whidbey@gmail.com]

At 5'9", a benefit of a disability that requires me to use a forearm is that it reaches the darn latch from the ground at the boarding step. Not suggesting one should get hurt to use this method, but it works for me.