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05-09-2010, 12:19 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 745
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Blowing RV 8 canopy in flight
Maybe 2 years ago, I asked about bailing out of an RV 8. (Let's say you got a roaring fire or a wing came off doing acro, or a flat spin). Some people said due, to pressure, one couldn't get the canopy open in flight. ( Vans didn't know). I think it was Paul Dye who said "remove the bolts on the forward left & right posts on your canopy, and put some Pip pins in instead. If you're wearing a parachute, remove the pip pins before takeoff. This way if the dreaded situation arose, simply crack the canopy open, push up one inch ( as the bolts and pip pins have been removed), and the slip steam will rip it of the airplane. Also roll inverted and push on the stick to get yourself out.
OK, now for the question.I don't guess anyone is going to know the answer to this, but I've gotta ask anyway. Suppose you've got not a fire or wing departure, but an engine failure, and the only place to land is on water. I'm told that generally small airplanes flip over on hitting the water. ( Official safety Pub). Wouldn't it be nice to have already rid yourself of that canopy!! BUT---if you get rid of your canopy in the way I've described, I'm "assuming" the small rubber piece that holds the back of the canopy on it's rail would simply rip off,---but what would it do to the vertical stabilizer???  If the vertical stab came off, that's just going to ruin your whole day on that nice power off glide you had all set up to the water. 
Last edited by donaziza : 05-09-2010 at 12:38 AM.
Reason: Spelling
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05-09-2010, 01:43 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 976
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I went through this debate recently with someone, and also know of a recent accident to a similar (bit stronger?) type with a proportionally smaller canopy.
In the accident, the canopy started to come loose, pilot slowed down, then canopy lost and struck VS. VS was badly dented, but stayed on. Relating to an RV-8, the RV is a lighter / flimsier design (this is a Military trainer design) with a larger heavier canopy and could well fly at a higher speed than this occurred at - conclusion - loss of Canopy in flight might destroy/remove the VS of an RV-8?
Secondly, having lost the canopy it ended up in field fairly shortly thereafter, pilot OK, aircraft probably written off (nosewheel broke off, wingtip struck ground). Speaking to the pilot, the aircraft was barely controllable in pitch.. Again read across to the RV-8 the loss of that large canopy may lead to aircraft being uncontrollable, even before damage is allowed for.
Therefore I would not consider getting rid of the canopy prior landing / ditching without definitive advice from a good source that the aircraft will remain easily controllable.
Adapt structure to allow canopy jettison? From above, I would only do it to aid a parachute exit. I do wear a parachute for certain profiles (early flight tests esp spinning, formation/low level aerobatics), but not really sure of the circumstances that would allow me to use it, and/or how I would get out. Given the risks of an inadvertent jettison (above), I again have decided I will not go down that route. If life gets bad enough to need to bail out, I just hope it is possible
Andy
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05-09-2010, 07:00 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Dallas area
Posts: 10,768
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Water is hard!
Just another factor. I'm not sure you want to flip over in the water without the protection of the canopy.
__________________
Mel Asberry, DAR since the last century.
EAA Flight Advisor/Tech Counselor, Friend of the RV-1
Recipient of Tony Bingelis Award and Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award
USAF Vet, High School E-LSA Project Mentor.
RV-6 Flying since 1993 (sold)
<rvmel(at)icloud.com>
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05-09-2010, 07:20 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SC
Posts: 12,887
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A few years back some guy ditched an -8 off of Hawaii and got out and was saved. Do any of you know the details?
__________________
Bill R.
RV-9 (Yes, it's a dragon tail)
O-360 w/ dual P-mags
Build the plane you want, not the plane others want you to build!
SC86 - Easley, SC
www.repucci.com/bill/baf.html
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05-09-2010, 07:59 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 1,565
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Quote:
Originally Posted by N941WR
A few years back some guy ditched an -8 off of Hawaii and got out and was saved. Do any of you know the details?
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The incident was written up in a recent issue of the RVator, actually. I don't recall the details but it was a fascinating read.
__________________
Brad Benson, Maplewood MN.
RV-6A N164BL, Flying since Nov 2012!
If you're not making mistakes, you're probably not making anything
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05-09-2010, 11:56 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: 1T7, Kestrel Airpark , Texas
Posts: 773
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CAN BE OPENED
A builder posted his results on being able to open the -8 canopy in flight. He was able to do it.
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...+CANOPY+FLIGHT
__________________
Wade Lively
-8, Flying!
N100WL
IO-360A3B6D, WW 200RV
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05-09-2010, 03:28 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Hubbard Oregon
Posts: 9,035
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Quote:
Originally Posted by N941WR
A few years back some guy ditched an -8 off of Hawaii and got out and was saved. Do any of you know the details?
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The story is in the articles section on VAF.net
http://www.vansairforce.net/articles/Ditching.htm
I agree with Mel. I don't think you would want to ditch in water without a canopy to protect you. Everyone always thinks water is soft...it is if you are stepping into a bath tub.
__________________
Opinions, information and comments are my own unless stated otherwise. They do not necessarily represent the direction/opinions of my employer.
Scott McDaniels
Van's Aircraft Engineering Prototype Shop Manager
Hubbard, Oregon
RV-6A (aka "Junkyard Special ")
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05-09-2010, 09:45 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: S21, Oregon
Posts: 161
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rvbuilder2002
Everyone always thinks water is soft...it is if you are stepping into a bath tub.
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I've always said that water is only soft when you give it time to get out of the way 
__________________
Kelly
RV-7 empennage done, wings done, fuselage to QB stage.
1973 Maule M4-220C flying
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05-10-2010, 01:48 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mojave
Posts: 4,652
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This guy got little more than a cut lip...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rR68OIpcX4
__________________
WARNING! Incorrect design and/or fabrication of aircraft and/or components may result in injury or death. Information presented in this post is based on my own experience - Reader has sole responsibility for determining accuracy or suitability for use.
Michael Robinson
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Harmon Rocket II -SDS EFI
RV-8 - SDS CPI
1940 Taylorcraft BL-65
1984 L39C
Last edited by Toobuilder : 05-10-2010 at 01:51 PM.
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05-11-2010, 06:37 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 745
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Some great answers guys. The one about the ditching in Hawaii was especially good. Thanks everyone.
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