Canopy mid position latch

[BuckWynd]

Originally Posted by Toobuilder

So I'm guessing that in order for the cam to catch the hook, yet move out of the way when it is "doing its thing", the cam must default to the 6:00 o'clock position (pointed down)... Does it do this with gravity, or is it spring loaded?

It free-swivels, so it hangs at 6:00 o'clock due to gravity.

[Toobuilder]

Got it... Thanks!

[Toobuilder]

We installed the Zeller latch on the -8 yesterday and it works just great! It took all of 15 minutes to install. I can imagine all the time I would have spent designing/fabricating something on my own.

A great product!

[sabswbc]

Will it work on a 6 or 7?

Sam Butler
RV 7A

[vfrazier]

The IDEA will work on any canopy where you can find an appropriate spot to mount the bits. You may have to custom build your own parts to make it work.

It helps if the canopy rails are parallel so that you can more easily align everything to work properly. For example, the Rocket sliders have 2 piece rails that make finding a spot to put these difficult.

YMMV.

[Bob Ellis]

Here is a video I made of the latch in operation. Hope it helps other builders. This is simple engineering at its best.

Bob Ellis
www.rv-8.co.uk

[N8RV]

Now that I've got some time on Smokey and have used Mike's latch for a couple of years, I'm not as tickled with it as I originally was. What I would REALLY like is a way to open the canopy about 8" and lock it there for taxiing on a hot day or after landing. Trying to taxi AND fiddle with this latch is a recipe for disaster, IMO. I mean, have you ever tried to taxi and look back over your shoulder? Maybe it's just me.

Plus, with the canopy half-open, I've noticed quite a bit of buffeting if I bump the power, and it has even worked loose and slid all the way open once while taxiing over rough grass.

So, looking back, I think I would prefer a spring-loaded latch over this one, or maybe mount one in addition to this latch.

Just my personal observation. Guess 500 hours of Yankee time spoiled me.

[Bob Ellis]

Don - That is why I have fitted a second latch at the 8" point (one in the video) as your comments mirrored other RV-8 pilots. Bob