Canopy difference

[marvk]

I would like to know the differences between a tip up canopy and a slider on a RV7. I understand how they work but what are the differences in the fuselage visability. thanks

[Joerpilot]

IMHO the view is better with tip up. But, they are both good.

[Jim P]

Here's tipper...see for yourself...

http://vimeo.com/14578089

[RobinHou]

Where did you mount your videocam?

[frazitl]

I'm in Vegas (Henderson). It's true that the tip-up has better visibility. My 7A slider has the advantage when taxiing at 110F and I think looks cooler on the ramp (think 57 Chevy with the window down and your elbow at the window sill). But seriously, the better weather protection (rain) for the avionics and cooler taxi profile is why I chose the slider. Also, I think that wind gusts at the worst moment, and from the worst direction will do less damage to a slider (dust devils anyone?).

As always, YMMV.

There really is NO bad choice. I used the JRW tip up / slider see: http://www.aircraftextras.com/Tip-Up2.htm on mine. Gives great access to the baggage compartment in exchange for about 5/8" of reduced travel of the sliding canopy...

Have fun!

[DakotaHawk]

I chose the slider on my RV-7 because...

• I wanted to be able to taxi with canopy open to keep cool
• I wanted to protect the avionics/panel from getting wet (no hinge line right above the panel)
• I feel safer with canopy open with wind gusts
• entering / exiting a slider is easier than a tip-up

Now that I've been flying for a year, I've made several major cross country flights, done loops, rolls, immelmans, cuban 8s, etc, and I've started training with the local formation flight group. The negatives about the slider (that I've noticed are...

• Slider makes access to baggage area a little more difficult (backpacks and travel bags OK, suitcases shouldn't be flying anyways!
• If slider doesn't seal perfectly, you'll get a cool breeze on the back of your neck from the aft turtledeck
• Slider windshield bow and brace are in your field of view (not a big deal most of the time)
• Slider bow is exactly in line with the required "line of sight" of other planes in a formation flight

Of all of the negatives, the last one (the formation flight "line of sight") is the only one that really bothers me. I have to lean my head back about 2" to get my sightline on other planes.

All that being said, if I had to do it over again, I would build a slider again. I really like it!

[hesty]

Thanks DakotaHawk!
That was extremely useful info and exactly what I have been looking for myself as I contemplate slider/tip-up on the 7A I am building!
Cheers
Chad

[n5lp]

Originally Posted by DakotaHawk

...entering / exiting a slider is easier than a tip-up...

That one may just be a matter of familiarity. I find it MUCH easier to get in and out of my tip-up than the sliders I have tried. But I have done it many more times and have the techniques down.

[trib]

Another consideration is construction. I built a tip-up and I recall that the time was approximately 200 hrs additional to build the slider, but that was for a 6A. Not sure if it is any easier for the newer versions. I was on the fence and the extra time and expense made the decision for me. No regrets now that I'm flying.

[Brantel]

I find it easier to get in and out of the TD's with the tipper. There is nothing behind you to hold on too/push on with the slider.

Some people have handles on the rollbar for the slider which helps you have something to hang on to but they do make good noggin bashers in an accident.

Baggage access to me is a wash since the slider only opens so far and the tipper has the rollbar and rear window over the same area. The combo canopy systems are superior in this regard.

The tipper leaks in the seam, the slider around the back and the joint between front and back.

Tipper is hard to finish perfect around the front and sides. Slider has its own issues as well.

Some say the slider is harder to build than the tipper but most of them are the people that never built a tipper. I think they both have their own set of challenges.

I would not hesitate to use either one. It comes down to personal preferences...