Louise Hose
Well Known Member
The recent discussions on tip-up canopies opening in flight reminded me of my experience. Not long after transitioning from Skyhawks and a Cherokee 180 into Mikey (my RV-6), I took off and soon realized the tip-up canopy was opening. I immediately remembered discussions on the VAF about how an open canopy isn't a big deal as long as you continue to aviate first. Like Doug's description of his incident (and maybe it was his posting that I remembered), I just continued to climb out. At about 1000' I stabilized my flight and then reached up with my right hand to latch the canopy down. Thanks to what I had learned about the RV's handling characteristics from these forums, I felt no fear (albeit, perhaps a little surprise) and didn't skip a beat on climb out. I'm sure I would have been terrified otherwise, with uncertain consequences. I bet lots of you folks out there can related stories of how the VAF might have saved your butt. How about it?