RV-9A Canopy Problem

Flyer2017 · #1 08-28-2019, 07:07 PM

I bought our plane about 3.5 years ago. Since then we have been to OSH 3 times and put several hundred hours on her. After some time, I noticed a slight light gap showing between the canopy and the part it rests on on the left side near the panel when flying. Over the last year, the gap seems to be getting a little bigger. I don't think the canopy is suddenly going to depart the plane but wanted advice on how to close the gap, if possible. I've read many threads about how tedious and frustrating it is to adjust the canopy position while building and thought some of you might have a solution. The pictures show the canopy from each side both open slightly and closed and locked. Also a picture of light showing through the gap.

I've never tried to put pictures on a post so I hope I followed the directions correctly. Thanks

Louavul · #2 08-29-2019, 07:57 PM

Joe: If those gaps weren't there before I think I might be looking at what's going on with the fwd canopy retention pins and how they are interfacing with the goose neck canopy arms and the brass bushings in the holes where the pins nest. I don't see how the canopy could rise up like that unless the bushings in the goose necks have become elongated or are missing. Can you push the canopy back down with it closed and latched in the down position?

If it were me I think I'd be removing the canopy to check out what's going on in that fwd attach area, it fairly robust and shouldn't be doing that or at least that's my thoughts.

N941WR · #3 08-29-2019, 08:17 PM

Was it latched?

The one picture of the left side showed it unlatched. If it pulls down tight when latched, I wouldn't worry about it.

If you have that gap while latched, time to figure out why and correct it before your next flight.

N269SD · #4 08-29-2019, 11:11 PM

I had a gap like that on my 2009 7A with about 1000 hours on it. Turned out the the U channel had cracked right where the pivot support went through. I ended up replacing everything forward of the side rails

BenNabors · #5 08-30-2019, 10:33 AM

I don't think the canopy is suddenly going to depart the plane but .....

I would not make that assumption. If you get air under the front edge, it will be like one of those mattresses you see on the side of the highway. I like N269Sd's comment. Something is amiss.

Flyer2017 · #6 08-30-2019, 04:42 PM

Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions.

I took a closer look at the left hinge and the area around it. I found that the angle welded on the left side of the hinge has a crack in the weld that is allowing the left front side of the canopy to flex slightly. I'm sure I need to fix it but not sure if I can take off the canopy, grind down the weld and reweld without ripping the canopy apart. I wouldn't do the welding - I'd leave that to an expert. See pictures below.

wnplt · #7 08-31-2019, 02:59 PM

Picture links no work

Flyer2017 · #8 08-31-2019, 03:07 PM

Don't know what to suggest. When I click on the links they work for me. Thanks

Kyle Boatright · #9 08-31-2019, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyer2017

Don't know what to suggest. When I click on the links they work for me. Thanks

It is your account. It works for you. Apparently not for all of us.

Try posting using this. It is pretty foolproof and doesn't require an account:

https://postimages.org/

The biggest challenge is remembering which option to use. The correct one is the "hotlink for forums" link.

Flyer2017 · #10 08-31-2019, 04:28 PM

Thanks Kyle. I replaced the images with new ones as you suggested. Should be able to see the weld now.