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  #1  
Old 01-10-2012, 05:46 AM
Mounz Mounz is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Germany
Posts: 36
Default Tip up canopy jettison handle

I like the idea of being able to jettison the tip up canopy in case of an emergency but the standard T-handle location is both unsightly and impractical. I have noticed that most tip up builders have done away with the jettison handle on the panel and moved it to the sub panel where it is used mainly for canopy removal for maintenance.

Are there any bright ideas out there for relocating the jettison handle to a more convenient location whilst retaining the jettison function? Is there perhaps an aftermarket retrofit?
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  #2  
Old 01-10-2012, 05:53 AM
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robertahegy robertahegy is offline
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When I put mine in, I turned it 90 deg. so the handle was horizontal instead of vertical. That made it a little less obtrusive. Trying to relocate the handle might require a lot of linkage and could be less reliable.

Roberta
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  #3  
Old 01-10-2012, 05:59 AM
noelf noelf is offline
 
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I kept the original pin retraction feature, but implemented it with a long vertical rod on the front side of the sub-panel. This new rod extends below the sub-panel and a lever arm is attached at this point that allows the original function to be retained. The new jettison handle is out of sight and accessible by the pilot underneath the instrument panel.
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  #4  
Old 01-10-2012, 09:42 AM
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I am tossing the handle from Van's and will install one of these and paint it red or add yellow stripes (the handle is made from aluminum): http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/a1870.php

It allows you to put it almost where ever you want on the panel too.
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Last edited by jmjula : 01-10-2012 at 09:47 AM.
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Old 01-10-2012, 11:02 AM
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What do you intend to do with the gas struts?

I doubt the jettison feature would work unless you didn't install the struts.
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  #6  
Old 01-10-2012, 11:17 AM
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jbagley jbagley is offline
 
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Default removable?

I would like to have a removable handle. Maybe a grab loop of some kind. Would be horrible ugly and annoying, but I think perfectly acceptable for the few times that I would fly with a parachute. A receptacle of some sort would take less panel space than a T-handle.

Quote:
I am tossing the handle from Van's and will install one of these and paint it red or add yellow stripes (the handle is made from aluminum): http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/a1870.php
I can't tell from the description what the lock release button does. Does it keep the handle from moving or does it release the handle from the mechanism entirely?
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Old 01-10-2012, 12:00 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by caryr View Post
What do you intend to do with the gas struts?

I doubt the jettison feature would work unless you didn't install the struts.
My plan for when I wear a parachute, is to disconnect the struts on the ground. I will likely add 'wing' nuts to the strut attachment points to make that easier to accomplish. No one has yet to eject from an RV in flight while wearing a parachute (that I know of), but people do often enough in other aerobatic aircraft. Know your exit procedures well, practice them on the ground regularly.
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Old 01-10-2012, 12:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jbagley View Post
I would like to have a removable handle. Maybe a grab loop of some kind. Would be horrible ugly and annoying, but I think perfectly acceptable for the few times that I would fly with a parachute. A receptacle of some sort would take less panel space than a T-handle.



I can't tell from the description what the lock release button does. Does it keep the handle from moving or does it release the handle from the mechanism entirely?
The lock button assures it won't open accidentally in flight, it just prevents the handle from moving. Van's handle uses a spring to assure that won't happen, but a spring isn't practical with the 1780 style handle. That handle will also work good for a parking brake.
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James Jula - CFI/II/MEI - N713JL RV-7A First Flight 10/12/15 - "What is chiefly needed is skill rather than machinery." Wilbur Wright, 1902

Last edited by jmjula : 01-10-2012 at 12:06 PM.
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  #9  
Old 01-10-2012, 01:36 PM
Mounz Mounz is offline
 
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Thanks for the quick response! Turning the handle 90 degrees is one of the options I have been considering but am not thrilled about. I'm not concerned about the gas struts as I don't believe they have a chance to withstand the aerodynamic forces unless you're in a flat spin. I was however hoping that some ingenious RV builder out there has come up with some snazzy aftermarket device.

Up to now the horizontal handle seems to be the best option but it still is somewhat in the way.
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  #10  
Old 01-10-2012, 01:42 PM
Mounz Mounz is offline
 
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Noel do you have some photographs of the mechanism you built? It sounds interesting. Are you satisfied with the way it functions?
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