Van's Canopy Latch Safety Switch

[engineerofsorts]

The installation instructions reference an updated POH and FTS, but it appears they are not yet on the Van's website--latest are dated 2013.

[E. D. Eliot]

Is this approved by Van's as part of a ESLA build or do we need to add it to the list of things to be added after certification and fly off time? Any one know for sure?

[Bill_H]

If it is an option from Vans, it is covered and you do not have to wait until after sign off.

[Mich48041]

My DAR required that I provide a list of service notices and that I sign it indicating that I had complied with each notice. I consider any email from Van's with the subject, "NOTIFY", as being a service notice. I think that it is likely that a DAR or FED will require the canopy switch before an airworthiness certificate is issued. After all, this is a safety issue. At least 2, maybe more, RV-12s have crashed because the pilot was distracted by an open canopy. Common sense says to install the switch, regardless of any bureaucratic interpretation of the rules.
Joe Gores

[yankee-flyer]

I had the canopy come partly open on an early flight-- wasn't fully latched and it popped up to the detent position with the arm catching on the canopy frame-- about 4" up. I tried to pull it back down and couldn't, so I slowed to 80 KIAS, proceeded to the nearest airport, landed uneventfully, latched it and took off again. No big deal and no reason to lose control.

Wayne 120241/143WM

[cactusman]

Originally Posted by Mich48041

My DAR required that I provide a list of service notices and that I sign it indicating that I had complied with each notice. I consider any email from Van's with the subject, "NOTIFY", as being a service notice. I think that it is likely that a DAR or FED will require the canopy switch before an airworthiness certificate is issued. After all, this is a safety issue. At least 2, maybe more, RV-12s have crashed because the pilot was distracted by an open canopy. Common sense says to install the switch, regardless of any bureaucratic interpretation of the rules.
Joe Gores

Sigh....I agree....and ordered one. My never-ending build continues.

[Bill_H]

To install this, Van's provides a Skyview settings AND UPDATE file all together. This file will have the additional widget in it to recognize the new discrete input from this switch, and combine it with an AND statement about RPM being>3700 to annunciate the alarm. In addition, the standard Vans RV12 EMS layout screens will have the new visual element added to them.

Well, I have customized my EMS screens and do not want to overwrite them, as loading this file will do!

The solution though, is simple. If someone who is using the standard EMS screens installs the switch and updates their system using the file, then simply do a system backup file AFTER THAT to your USB drive. This creates a *.DFG file - but it is actually a simple text file. It is simple to read the text file and figure out how to duplicate the function by building the element directly in Skyview. (I did a lot of this in customizing my EMS screens.) For example, from the instructions saying to use EMS pin 12, the canopy switch is coming into the Skyview using General Purpose Input #8.

So if someone will make available their DFG backup file AFTER the install, we can duplicate it without building the logic element from scratch.

[kjlpdx]

that looks exactly like the limit switches I use for my cnc router. cost like $6.

[Phantom30]

Feed string through hole where canopy light wires come out of rollbar (enough to make it out large hole near fuse.....stick garage vac hose to large hole. You will have string @ vac hose in a sec....secure wire to string and pull through to canopy light wiring exit hole. EASY WAY!

[dinowal]

Wow, thanks Ric, I spent all of yesterday getting the wire from behind the Dynon panel to the bottom of the roll bar. Am going to tackle getting it up to the top of the roll bar today, & I had forgotten the vacuum cleaner method. ( I had used that method months ago to get draw string/ wires through the control sticks). So thanks a million, it will make today's tasks much easier.. Cheers, DEAN