VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics

  #1  
Old 07-02-2014, 09:23 AM
gerrydwhite gerrydwhite is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Port Orchard, WA
Posts: 5
Default canopy not locked for takeoff

It was hot and I was being baked in the cockpit. I cracked the canopy (slider) open about 1 inch to help the hot air get out while taxiing to the end of the runway. On the takeoff roll at about 50 mph I looked up and saw I had not completely closed or locked the canopy so I aborted the takeoff. Just wondering what the consequences would have been it I had been in the air. I know someone must have done this and what was your experience?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 07-02-2014, 09:36 AM
akarmy's Avatar
akarmy akarmy is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Auburn, WA
Posts: 668
Default

Depends on the aircraft type. In my 9A the canopy would slide back about an inch and lock there. It wouldn't move forward or backward from that 1 inch open position.
__________________
Andy Karmy
Covington WA

RV-8 - Flying!
RV-9A - sold

Dec 2019 Paid
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 07-02-2014, 10:14 AM
jjhoneck jjhoneck is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: PORT ARANSAS
Posts: 419
Default

I've wondered this myself. What happens in my -8A if I take off with the canopy unlatched?

How about with it open to the stop? Judging by the way it shakes during runup, I suspect it wouldn't be good.
__________________
Jay Honeck
RV-8A N14EG
Port Aransas, TX
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 07-02-2014, 10:28 AM
Low Pass's Avatar
Low Pass Low Pass is offline
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Houston
Posts: 2,012
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jjhoneck View Post
I've wondered this myself. What happens in my -8A if I take off with the canopy unlatched?

How about with it open to the stop? Judging by the way it shakes during runup, I suspect it wouldn't be good.
-8 canopy will slide back a couple 1-2" and stay. Don't know how far you have to pull it back before it departs.

I've done it a couple of times in 14 years. Not advisable, but occasionally it happens. Since, I have begun using a quick release t-handle push button pin in the canopy rail at the first stop. Memory aid to lock the canopy and if it ever comes loose, it'll only slide 5-6 inches. Just my thing.

Last edited by Low Pass : 07-02-2014 at 10:35 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 07-02-2014, 12:28 PM
Bavafa Bavafa is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 3,351
Default

Once I had my tip up canopy partially open and only realized it when I was airborne. It was virtually impossible for us to pull it down to lock it in the air so I slowed down and landed at the nearest airport. No damage was caused by this and since, I have a warning light that illuminates if the locking mechanism of the canopy is not fully engaged.
__________________
Mehrdad
N825SM RV7A - IO360M1B - SOLD
N825MS RV14A - IO390 - Flying
Dues paid
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 07-02-2014, 12:32 PM
jordanRV6 jordanRV6 is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Winnfield louisiana
Posts: 25
Default Rv6 slider canopy

I've done it once on my slider canopy on my Rv6 and on my slider on my 6a and it want move for nothing from were you leave it.. You can't shut it the wind locks it in place.. Even put it on autopilot and me and the passenger tried to push it forward and lock it ..couldn't get it to move. Guess that better than flying back and scaring the :&@- out of you.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 07-02-2014, 12:38 PM
bullojm1's Avatar
bullojm1 bullojm1 is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 1,039
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bavafa View Post
Once I had my tip up canopy partially open and only realized it when I was airborne. It was virtually impossible for us to pull it down to lock it in the air so I slowed down and landed at the nearest airport. No damage was caused by this and since, I have a warning light that illuminates if the locking mechanism of the canopy is not fully engaged.
I've done this once also. I was able to quickly pull back on the stick, entering into a 3-4 G climb. The same time I was able to pull down the canopy and lock it.
__________________
Mike Bullock
RV-7, Flying!
http://www.rvplane.com
EAA Technical Counselor
The Best FAA N-Number Availability Search Engine -TailNum.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 07-02-2014, 12:42 PM
BoilermakerRV's Avatar
BoilermakerRV BoilermakerRV is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Danville, IN (West of Indy)
Posts: 199
Lightbulb Great Idea

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bavafa View Post
... I have a warning light that illuminates if the locking mechanism of the canopy is not fully engaged.
I will need to figure out how to implement something like this on my 7A.
__________________
Michael
Danville, IN

RV-7A Canopy/Finishing
N317PU Reserved
2020 Dues paid (February 2020)
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 07-02-2014, 12:50 PM
N941WR's Avatar
N941WR N941WR is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SC
Posts: 12,887
Default

As part of my Phase 1, I took off with the tip-up canopy open.

On that test flight, I climbed to 3,500' and tried to close it. No joy. So, I slowed the plane down to 60 Kts, deployed the flaps, and was able to close it fairly easily.

One thing to note that I had not prepared for, my test cards were sucked out of the plane.
__________________
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
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 07-02-2014, 01:21 PM
Bavafa Bavafa is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 3,351
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoilermakerRV View Post
I will need to figure out how to implement something like this on my 7A.
It is rather easy, I used a limiting switch ( miniature snap action switch) attached to each locking mechanism of the canopy that gets switched when the canopy is in full lock position. The switches are ON normally and connected to the ground and will illuminate the light. Once all of them are in the closed position, the light is off. I am pretty sure I bought the switches from McMaster and here is a quick search for the type of switch.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#micro-switches/=snybph
__________________
Mehrdad
N825SM RV7A - IO360M1B - SOLD
N825MS RV14A - IO390 - Flying
Dues paid
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:24 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.