About a year ago a major crack developed in my RV8 canopy on a cold morning (about -10C) departure from Truckee CA at the "standard" locatation at the rear canopy bow. With the help of Jay Pratt (Borrowed Horse) and Danny King (Beautiful Doll) I installed a new canopy. Danny had already made two canopy replacements due to cracks, and suggested that the concept of using rubber grommets in oversize rivet holes in the plexiglas might work. The idea is that the grommets will allow some relative motion between the canopy and canopy frame during temperature changes. The grommets were made from RC model silicon fuel hose, sliced to canopy thickness. Now, a year later, Danny's idea seems to be working. Flying out of Pagosa Springs, CO, this winter we have experienced temperatures in flight as low as -12C (10F), with no canopy cracking.
Thanks, Danny!
Thanks, Danny!
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