RV-7 Slider?Getting in and Out

[Tango Mike]

I own an RV-6 tip up and am comfortable with what I can grab onto getting in and out.

A friend has an RV-7 slider, and the narrower entry space between the windscreen and the canopy bow combined with the higher side rails make me nervous about what I can hold onto without breaking something.

I’ve uploaded a photo of another friend’s RV-6A slider with what appears to be a very handy addition of handholds. He didn’t build the airplane, so I’m looking for opinions on whether or not the experts think this is a good idea, and if it is, any ideas on where to find them?

Thanks for any inputs.

P.S. The image didn't insert, and I'm trying to find out why. It's on Photobucket, I used the insert image icon and pasted in the URL, which shows up the in edit mode between [IMG] and [/IMG], but it doesn't display in the post.

P.S. I just found a selection on Photobucket called "quick link" or something like that and it provided me with an option it didn't have before called "direct link," which the Forum instructions mention. I'm trying it here . . .

[scootwoot]

Is it just me? I don't see a pix

[turbo]

you can try clicking on it and then open it in another tab. there is an image in there.

[Neal@F14]

Here's what the handles in my RV-6 look like... I use them all the time, they're great!


I'm not sure where the builder (I'm the 2nd owner) got them but I suspect they came from Aircraft Extras ( http://www.aircraftextras.com/Handles1.htm )

[MarkW]

I bought a set of those handles but am afraid of what they could do to my forehead so they have not been installed. I would like a better idea.

[Tango Mike]

I think you're right. The link you supplied took me right to them, painted WATCH OUT! red in their example, which I probably don't want, but I like the no welding part.

[our75olds]

I just grasp the roll bar brace with my right hand, place my right foot just aft of the fuel tank selector, shift my weight onto the right leg, and then sit on the back of the seat. I then move my left leg into the cabin and slide down into the seat.

I just make sure I do not touch the windscreen, fairing, or the canopy frame as I enter. My passengers do similarly from the right side of the plane.

Francis
N968BF

[Neal@F14]

Originally Posted by MarkW

I bought a set of those handles but am afraid of what they could do to my forehead so they have not been installed. I would like a better idea.

In a wreck, there are much worse things that you're going to be hitting your head upon... such as the sharp metal edge of the glareshield, no matter how much padding you put on that will really matter.

In strong turbulence, your head is going nowhere near the handles or rollbar... it's going to smash straight upward into the canopy. I found that one out last week while crossing the mountains on my way to Idaho.

[uk_figs]

I put a single handle on the center support bar, easy to reach, natural hand position either left or right and not a head knocker.
https://picasaweb.google.com/dbfiggi...77804293117538

[Tango Mike]

MarkW, have you considered cutting the "intentionally designed rather long" handles down as the website suggests?