JDair Canopy Latch Review

[Jetmart]

Originally Posted by mulde35d

Not really. The only extra thing you would likely have to do with the QB is drill out the 8 rivets that hold the lower latch flange in place. But that?s not really a big deal since only two of those eight holes will remain on the skin. The other 6 will disappear when you cut the larger handle holes.

Thanks. I was not worried about saving a few bucks. Just wanted to avoid rework or some unwanted holes.

[MS19087]

Originally Posted by Richard Spatz

Having a lock included in the latch would be a great option.
Has anyone attempted to add a lock to this latch?
Richard

Yes this would be nice. I haven?t installed mine yet but was also thinking about a lock option.

[Brent 801]

Has anyone installed the latch on a flying aircraft?

[Stockmanreef]

I just installed the red JD air latch into my plane. Although it is not flying, I am getting close. So it was like doing it on a quick build. This latch is sweet. Comparing stock to this one is like comparing a VW but to a Porsche 911. I am no idea why this is not stock (let's see the response I can for this comment).

1. Once you drill out the lower bracket, I used the stock handle to determine how to cut out the hole for the new latch. This will give you the exact location of where the back hole should be locate. I overlapped and slid the bolt in place to determine the aft edge of the hole.
2. Once I got the aft hole cut out, I used it and the template to determine where to cut the front hole.
3. I then installed the handles in the top original bracket attached the lower bracket to the handles with the bolts and used this as a template to drill the lower bracket rivet holes.
3. the two rivets that remain after cutting have to be undimpled and filled. I made the mistake of putting the both back in after putting back in the lower bracket. Don't do that. I used oops rivet in the hole between the two handles, and then I filed it flat enough so that it did not interfere with closing the back latch.
4. The aft most rivet on the lower bracket. I could not figure out how to dimple it, so I put in a oops rivet. Keep in mind that all the dimples have to be bucked in. At least that was the only way I could figure out how to do it. I used the back hole in a longeron yoke to hold the female dimple die and sent the pressure on the gun to 20 psi (or maybe even lower).
5. the front most rivet after cutting out is **** close to the front lower edge of the front handle after undimpling. I can still just barely see where the rivet was. If the hole is not dimpled to begin with as show in the first post, then you won't see the hole at all.
6. I used 5 layers of UHMW tape to build up a "washer" between the handle and the brackets. That stuff is very slick/slippery. The latch operates super smoothly.

[Steve Barnes]

When JD Air parts no longer had the latch available last year, I had my metal guy make some up. His wholesale price was higher than JD's retail price. JD's had some features that mine didn't too. JD has a high quality product at a very reasonable price.

Steve Barnes Fairings-Etc

[Steve Barnes]

For Brent 801. It is a lot easier to install the Latch in a hanger or at least when the aircraft is parked on the ground.

[xorb]

I was convinced of the merits if the latch until I learned that it would interfere with the fancy new side panels from Classic Aero... Has anyone installed the new side panels having used the JD latch?

[Jetmart]

Originally Posted by xorb

I was convinced of the merits if the latch until I learned that it would interfere with the fancy new side panels from Classic Aero... Has anyone installed the new side panels having used the JD latch?

My understanding is that they will have a compatible side panel to fit with the JD latch by July. I would suggest checking with them.

[sjarrell]

Originally Posted by xorb

I was convinced of the merits if the latch until I learned that it would interfere with the fancy new side panels from Classic Aero... Has anyone installed the new side panels having used the JD latch?

JDAero has already prototyped (and perhaps produced) a new handle that Classic Aero has committed to incorporate into a new panel design. The last I've heard there's no firm from CA yet on when they're going to be available, however I'm holding off on the side panel part of my order until it's ready. I think it will be a GREAT combination!

[RV7Guy]

Hi Guys,

I will have the new latches available in the next two weeks, in both red and natural aluminum. All aspects of the latch are the same as the previous versions with the addition of the mod needed for the Classic Aero interiors.

Keep in mind the new latch version is only needed if you are planning on using the Classic Aero interior. There are dozens of the standard latches out there now in 14's. No comparison with the stock Van's latch.

Thanks for all the support. Take a look at www.jdair.com for accessories for your RV.