How to install the canopy jettison in plane I didn't build

[samgaddis]

Though I am definitely going to build an RV someday, I bought my first one and this means I know very little about how these things come together. So I'm hoping someone can explain to me roughly how one would go about installing a canopy jettison mechanism in a 14A. I'd like to have one of those before doing gentleman's aerobatics.

I purchased the remote jettison handle, but the diagram that came with it didn't clarify much. I will certainly be finding an experienced builder or A&P to help with this project, but I'd love to get a better sense for how big a job it is.

[Ron B.]

Do you know if the jettison hardware that came with the kit is installed on your 14? I would expect it is and if the standard handle wasn’t installed then I would expect the hardware was secured in place somehow so it holds the lock pins in place permanently. If the builder didn’t install the pins and internal hardware I would think this would be a big job. If all the hidden hardware is installed then the retro remote release handle shouldn’t be a huge job for an experienced builder.

[rvbuilder2002]

My suggestion is that you get a set of the RV-14 build plans (if you don't already have them). You should have a set for use maintaining the airplane anyway), and then start looking at the canopy mechanism and compare it to what you see on your airplane.

If everything is in place except for the original pull handle that directed aft through the instrument panel, then you should be all set to install the remote kit.

[sailvi767]

Take a look at statistics on Vans RV’s where the canopy was jettisoned and the occupants got out. I think the answer is very close to zero. It’s extremely difficult to get out of a out of control aircraft successfully unless it was designed around that eventuality which Vans aircraft are not. Is the canopy going to hit the tail? Are you going to hit the tail? Is the canopy going to hit you? Will you wear a helmet with the chutes? The two should go together if you are serious as well as getting some parachute jump training.

[JET14]

I put my jettison handle under the panel at the top of the circuit breaker panel. I am labeling it "Maintenance Only" mostly because I think that is the only practical purpose for having it.

[abwaldal@gmail.com]

I for one will say that anybody that builds the (any) aircraft and doesn't put in the canopy release hardware is missing something somewhere.
I bought an RV-6A without the release and I can tell you it was no picnic to build the supports and install the cable system to get the release done.
''Like'' how you going to ever take the canopy off if you want to build a new panel as I did.
Crawl under the panel to get at the two nuts on the pins????? How easy is that????
In my own opinion I thought "" How could somebody build this thing without the release system""" And just throw away the parts for it. Just plain stupid in my own opinion.
I've had the canopy off a half dozen times in 3 years of ownership.
Do what ever it takes to get a release system in place. Cable or rod it doesn't matter.
My luck is different than yours so have at it. Oh ya have fun!! Art

[samgaddis]

Originally Posted by rvbuilder2002

My suggestion is that you get a set of the RV-14 build plans (if you don't already have them). You should have a set for use maintaining the airplane anyway), and then start looking at the canopy mechanism and compare it to what you see on your airplane.

If everything is in place except for the original pull handle that directed aft through the instrument panel, then you should be all set to install the remote kit.

I have the plans and I suspect the answer to whether or not this aircraft was prepared for the canopy is behind this tape. Fingers crossed.

[mturnerb]

From a practical viewpoint it would be hard to complete the build without installing the jettison mechanism, minus the handle: I had to remove/replace the canopy many times to do various tasks (used a temporary handle zip tied in place). I could see how one might do the all the build work then fix the mechanism in place (so pins can't retract) which should be pretty easy to modify to add the jettison capability back.

During my build I considered not having the handle accessible as I didn't plan to do aerobatics or fly with a parachute, however Scott made the point in another thread that ground egress is a valid use case for the jettison handle - this tipped the balance for me.

[ShortSnorter]

Originally Posted by samgaddis

I have the plans and I suspect the answer to whether or not this aircraft was prepared for the canopy is behind this tape. Fingers crossed.

The hardware may be there with the rod/pull handle omitted due to clearance issues with the AP control head when the canopy is lowered. I had this exact issue except , my solution was to cut the pull handle shorter and make it flush to the sub panel and use as a mx only function.

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by sailvi767

Is the canopy going to hit the tail? Are you going to hit the tail? Is the canopy going to hit you?

None of that matters if you've made the decision to get out, because the alternative is worse.