Locking a Partly Open Tip-Up Canopy

[Finley Atherton]

Anyone have a simple mod so that a tip-up canopy can be locked in the partly open position? I often find myself flying somewhere for a short visit and if the sun is out I like to leave the canopy in the part open position with the overhead handle resting on the rollbar to keep the cockpit cool.

Fin
9A

[noelf]

The first is the easiest...

1.With the canopy open, close the side canopy latch handle. This will move the L & R latch fingers into the "captured and secure" position. Now gently lower the canopy until the two canopy latch lugs rest on top of the latch fingers. You could also place a small thickness of plywood (or plastic) on top of the Al plate that the latch lugs would pass through.

2. Van's construction book (instructions) shows that it is optional to cut a slot into the roll-over channel frame that will allow the WD-621 "D-Handle" to be captured. This has the advantage of locking the canopy in a slightly open position, and a gust of wind will not allow it to be blown open.

[Sam Buchanan]

Originally Posted by Finley Atherton

Anyone have a simple mod so that a tip-up canopy can be locked in the partly open position? I often find myself flying somewhere for a short visit and if the sun is out I like to leave the canopy in the part open position with the overhead handle resting on the rollbar to keep the cockpit cool.

Fin
9A

Fin, I'm assuming you are interested in securing the plane with the canopy cracked open. I don't recall ever seeing a solution for your inquiry, but I wonder if you could use a bicycle locking cable passed through the D-handle and around the seat back support channel. This should discourage an honest person from getting in the plane. Hopefully those with evil intent would cut the cable instead of smashing the canopy.

[Finley Atherton]

Originally Posted by Sam Buchanan

Fin, I'm assuming you are interested in securing the plane with the canopy cracked open.

Correct Sam, I would like to be able to prop the canopy open with the tab of the overhead handle resting on the roll bar and somehow lock it with a key in this position so it could not be opened any further by someone with evil intent.

Fin
9A

[shamer]

Fin,

I used a hardware store cam lock to secure my canopy.
Like this:

http://www.thefabricatorssource.com/...L625BigPic.htm

When locked, the cam goes through a slot in the interior angle and external latch lever. If you cut a slot in the cam, I think you could lock it in the open position with a properly placed angle placed just above the stock angle. I know, clear as mud.
I'll be investigating this possibility for mine.
Keep in mind that when a seemingly good idea pops into my head, it's seldom encumbered by reality.

[Robert M]

Finley, maybe I'm just too darned naive but I'm gonna believe that most (not all) people are trustworthy at airports - especially when your parking for a short time. Most often the plane is in plain sight on a tarmac or such. It's the parking it for days that makes me worry. I will not have a lock on my canopy unless my insurance company absolutely insists on it. Too much work goes into building the canopy just to have some unscrupulous idiot bust it all to pieces to get at what they want. I would rather they just open the canopy and take what they want. Either way they're gonna get what they want but the "no lock" canopy will be far less work and "aircraft down time" for me.

But, the idea of being able to prop it open and have it be secured whilst I'm eating that $100 hamburger is very appealing.

My $.02

[Sam Buchanan]

Originally Posted by Robert M

Finley, maybe I'm just too darned naive but I'm gonna believe that most (not all) people are trustworthy at airports - especially when your parking for a short time. Most often the plane is in plain sight on a tarmac or such. It's the parking it for days that makes me worry. I will not have a lock on my canopy unless my insurance company absolutely insists on it. Too much work goes into building the canopy just to have some unscrupulous idiot bust it all to pieces to get at what they want. I would rather they just open the canopy and take what they want. Either way they're gonna get what they want but the "no lock" canopy will be far less work and "aircraft down time" for me.

But, the idea of being able to prop it open and have it be secured whilst I'm eating that $100 hamburger is very appealing.

My $.02

I concur. The canopy on my RV-6 can be "locked" with a rinky-dink little combination padlock that anyone could cut with a hefty pair of diagonal cutters. But it is sufficient for discouraging the jerk who wants to open the unattended airplane so his kids can get inside for a photo (it can happen...). Fortunately, most of those individuals can't figure out how to release the tip-up canopy latch...............

If a thief wants something out of my plane, I hope he takes it without feeling the need to damage that expensive and labor-intensive canopy. The last thing I want is for him to get angry at a lock that is testing his patience.

[Finley Atherton]

I agree that I would rather a thief could get in by cutting a small padlock and steal the headsets or what ever than have to resort to busting the canopy. My concern is that when I leave the canopy partly open it is an obvious "open" invitation for someone to attempt to fully open the canopy and maybe play with the controls and switches, steal something or worse

Fin
9A

[Robert M]

Originally Posted by Finley Atherton

I agree that I would rather a thief could get in by cutting a small padlock and steal the headsets or what ever than have to resort to busting the canopy. My concern is that when I leave the canopy partly open it is an obvious "open" invitation for someone to attempt to fully open the canopy and maybe play with the controls and switches, steal something or worse

Fin
9A

Oh yes, I agree on that point 100%! I have heard horror stories of kids jumping up and down in the seats of an airplane that was open for viewing. Parents and pilots almost going to blows about the possible or subsiquent damage. And amazingly, a sign that says "PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH" means nothing!

[Tbone]

Originally Posted by noelf

The first is the easiest...

1.With the canopy open, close the side canopy latch handle. This will move the L & R latch fingers into the "captured and secure" position. Now gently lower the canopy until the two canopy latch lugs rest on top of the latch fingers. You could also place a small thickness of plywood (or plastic) on top of the Al plate that the latch lugs would pass through.

2. Van's construction book (instructions) shows that it is optional to cut a slot into the roll-over channel frame that will allow the WD-621 "D-Handle" to be captured. This has the advantage of locking the canopy in a slightly open position, and a gust of wind will not allow it to be blown open.

What drawing is that in?