Canopy opens in flight--what now?

[Mel]

Originally Posted by RVbySDI

Hammerhead turn. . . hmmmm. You know Mel did say:

With proper respect to Smokey, I DID add that comment after his post!

[RVbySDI]

Originally Posted by ronschreck

I have done thousands of hammerheads. That's normal, right?

I agree. "Normal" is definitely a moving target.

Mel, I understand the post timing situation. I did think it funny Smokey was flying hammerheads and considering it normal flying.

[KatieB]

Originally Posted by ronschreck

I have done thousands of hammerheads. That's normal, right?

I'm sitting at the DMV right now (1 hr into the wait) and people are wondering what the heck I'm laughing at! Thanks for that!!

[jrs14855]

NTSB Probable Cause is published on RV6 fatal June 20, 2014 in MN. Probable Cause is canopy opening in flight causing loss of pitch control.
The report is on www.aero-news.net.

[NavyS3BNFO]

Originally Posted by Galenkillam

i just bought my 8 a few months ago. In my checklist, I check the canopy twice before TO; however as I am rolling onto the runway last week, the thought hit me...... What if the canopy blows open? Slow to 75 mph and land was my second thought. Anyone have this happen? Thoughts on what to do?

Fly the airplane.

I don't think the canopy opening will materially affect the aerodynamics. People get in trouble trying to unnecessarily complicate things. It will be a bit windy and distracting but otherwise the plane will fly fine.

[turbo]

Been there, done that, canopy stayed closed with the guidance of my right hand.

[Low Pass]

Originally Posted by Galenkillam

i just bought my 8 a few months ago. In my checklist, I check the canopy twice before TO; however as I am rolling onto the runway last week, the thought hit me...... What if the canopy blows open? Slow to 75 mph and land was my second thought. Anyone have this happen? Thoughts on what to do?

Two data points. I've managed to takeoff twice in ~14 years with the lid unlatched. (Hopefully I've quit doing that!) The -8 canopy will stay open about 1 inch. No air movement in the cockpit. In both instances, I returned, landed, and closed it.

I use a t-handle pin that will prevent it from opening more than 4 inches. Just my thing.

For those comparing the -8 and other slider RV canopies, to T-34, etc., please note that one little piece of plastic holding the back of the canopy on the plane when unlatched. No way the canopy is designed for flying air loads when not fully closed and the aft steel pin engaged.

[RONSIM]

in flight, back to the stop I placed about 6 inches back, for ventilation. I could not get the canopy to stay open --- air pressure pushed it back (with great force) I might add!

R.

[Low Pass]

Originally Posted by RONSIM

in flight, back to the stop I placed about 6 inches back, for ventilation. I could not get the canopy to stay open --- air pressure pushed it back (with great force) I might add!

R.

Hi Ron,

Not trying to get in your business, but note that little piece of Delrin or Nylon block holding the back of the canopy on the plane when it's unlatched. There's no way that thing is suitable for the wind loads that canopy is seeing flight.

Best,

Bryan

[jthocker]

Originally Posted by Low Pass

Hi Ron,

Not trying to get in your business, but note that little piece of Delrin or Nylon block holding the back of the canopy on the plane when it's unlatched. There's no way that thing is suitable for the wind loads that canopy is seeing flight.

Best,

Bryan

Oh never mind!