RV-4 Canopy Conundrum

[RogerH]

Yup, that's what I'm looking for. A positive "lock & loaded" no doubt about it, click & clack confirmation things are secure and not going anywhere. The canopy locking system spring on my RV-4 with no redundant lock left a lot to be desired.

Great video, I admire anyone that can pull that level of G's and appear to be relaxed and enjoying themselves in the process.

Thanks

[rbibb]

I lost my canopy in the driveway when I first ran up the engine. Had t close but not locked and when I ran up the engine the lift opened the canopy and lfted it off in like 2 secconds. Luckily it didnt break and I was able to polish ot a couple scratches and re-attache it.

a) proved that the rivets holding the hinge in place would rip out if never needed.

2)makes me wonder how one could ever take off with canopy unlatched.

3) Made me add "check canopy latch" prior to rolling onto runway on checklist.

I have no "additional latch" on mine but have thought of adding from time to time.

[merlin3]

Canopy closed and locked is in my checklist a couple times. Before i take off i always check one more time that handle is all the way back and i push on the canopy as an additional check.

[Gbowering]

Wow, that's scary. It's likely my biggest fear. I installed a canopy unsafe flashing red light that illuminates if the pin is more than 1/8th inch short of fully seated (well before the canopy would open). I'm sure most failures are on takeoff, as you say, due to not fully securing the canopy - this light should help me avoid that fate. I've always wondered whether it would rip off the plane. I think you're lucky it did - imagine trying to control with the canopy hanging off to one side or flapping around. Congratulations on the safe outcome - well done.

[DeeCee 57]

Same story happened too many moons ago locally... the canopy of the -4 opened right after take-off rotate, and fell on the right wing, remaining attached for the remainder of the flight. Pilot lost headset and prescription glasses but not the nerves, and brought the aircraft back to a safe landing.

Unfortunately that very -4 was lost to fire following maintenance inspection a couple of years later

[rv7charlie]

What kept it attached? The per-plans pop rivets will 'unzip' as soon as the canopy goes open far enough to stress the ones at the front end of the hinge. I discovered that fact right after purchasing my 1st -4, when I was replacing the simple lanyard that kept it from going too far, but did nothing to keep it from slamming shut in a wind gust.

Charlie

[fixnflyguy]

I have inspected RV-4's that had screws in place of the rivets. I suspect this because the builder felt the pop rivets were substandard and didn't realize the zipper importance.

[RogerH]

Originally Posted by rv7charlie

What kept it attached? The per-plans pop rivets will 'unzip' as soon as the canopy goes open far enough to stress the ones at the front end of the hinge. I discovered that fact right after purchasing my 1st -4, when I was replacing the simple lanyard that kept it from going too far, but did nothing to keep it from slamming shut in a wind gust.

Charlie

For that very reason I'd like to install a pneumatic door-closer (in addition to the Van's redundant safety latch when closed) on my rebuilt canopy. Has anyone had experience with a particular model of pneumatic or is it as simple as going to Home Depot and adding the hardware to the plane & canopy? If someone can offer a photo or two that would be great. Thanks

[RogerH]

Never mind, found the link to Napa Auto parts in the archives

[DeeCee 57]

Charlie, don't remember how the canopy/fuse attachment was done, probably not with the as per plans pop rivets... nevertheless canopy stayed attached in this case, good or bad.
Don't recall of any comment about to how the -4 behaved with the right elevator/stabilizer probably blanked out...