How susceptible is the Tip Up to wind damage?

[Dirtbos]

In discussion with RV owners (off of the forum) as long as you use caution, be aware of wind conditons, etc. you will have now problem. I feel that the unobstructed view is worth the extra effort.

[Build9A]

I've been flying my 9A tip up for 2.5 years and the only incident with the canopy was when I was building. Weak/faulty strut just gave way and allowed canopy to close (hard).. almost took my ear off, but came away with only a scratch. I was working on something (can't remember what it was but my head was in the path of the canopy). I now always make sure the struts are holding strong and check them once in awhile to make sure.

Regarding strong wind from behind with the canopy in the open position, I have not noticed any problem. In the full open position the open canopy catches a tailwind but I have never seen any vibrating or stress placed on the canopy. Now,... some joker not paying attention to his prop blast might cause a problem, but I look around for that when the canopy is open. I never leave it open unless I'm working on it in the hangar or loading it.

[Paul Eastham]

I have 10 flying hours on my tip-up and I have already had one eye-opening experience, that could have caused damage of a different sort. While getting back in the airplane after fueling up, the tailwind picked up and the airplane started to roll forward. Fortunately there wasn't anything in the way, but I still scrambled to get to the brakes, not before the plane rolled at least 10 feet.

I don't mean to start a parking brake flame war, but I wonder if having a tip-up starts to make a better case for also installing a parking brake.

[hngrflyr]

When it's windy, I try to make it a point to park my RV-6 into the wind. That way the canopy and flight controls don't get blown around. Last summer, I landed at North Bend, Oregon. The wind was gusting to 38 KTS. I didn't have any trouble, but had my wife keep the plane from rolling back while I secured it. It's all just a case of staying aware of what the wind is doing and acting accordingly.

[Mel]

My tip-up is the "old style" with no stiffening structure at the base, no struts, etc. Been flying over 14 years without a single problem. Just follow a few simple common sense rules. Always hang on while opening and closing and never leave canopy open when away from the airplane.
If I built today, I would again build tip-up without the struts.

[RV7Guy]

The newest versions of the Tip ups come with the stiffner kit. I really helps keep it from twisting.

I always set my parking brake when I fuel. Here in AZ, especially in the spring and summer, we get dust devils that you sometimes can't see but they can swing your plane in heart beat.

My decision to add the parking brake was an easy one. ($98 and about 3-4 hours work.) A neighbor of mine built a 6 with his dad. They 'discussed' (read argued) about putting a parking brake in. Dad didn't want it. One time he pulled up to a pump and got out. Before he could get the plane chocked a gust of wind hit the plane and swung it into some of those large steel posts that protect the pumps. There was leading edge damage to nearly the spar.

In the above case, the tip up may or may not have played a part.

I love my parking brake!!!

[tomcanard]

Has anyone here had experience with both styles of canopy, and know what the weight difference is between to two styles?