Rebuilding RV12is canopy

[DavidHarris]

I am sickened to say that I broke my RV12is canopy, and am looking for advice about rebuilding.

Yesterday I thoughtlessly lifted the canopy with the struts disconnected and didn't support it properly. It flipped over and smashed in multiple places.

I definitely need to buy a new plexiglass canopy. The plexiglass was fit and drilled to the frame and skirts. I'm concerned I may need to buy those as well and start fresh.

Is there any technique (careful drilling by eye, or something more clever) to drill a new plexiglass canopy to the frame with existing holes?

 

[rv12iS-builder]

Sorry to hear about your canopy. Would a hole finder tool (also known as a strap duplicator) work?

HOLE DUPLICATORS AT532-65 | Aircraft Spruce

HOLE DUPLICATORS AT532-65 Provide an accurate means of drilling duplicate matching holes in over-lapping sheets. Hole to be duplicated is drilled though bushing when pilot is in place.

www.google.com

Air Capital 6" Standard Hole Finder 5 Piece Set

PN: 130605 Piece 6" Standard Hole Finder Kit Drill an accurate hole in overlapping skins. Hole to be duplicated is drilled through the bushing when the pilot pin is placed in existing hole. Tapered back end of handles are convenient for prying sheets

www.yardstore.com

I made a similar tool out of an old hacksaw blade and a couple of rivets. You could do the same but design it so it will accommodate the thickness of the plexiglass. I can post a photo if you'd like to see my homemade tool.

 

[philcam]

I am sickened to say that I broke my RV12is canopy, and am looking for advice about rebuilding.

Yesterday I thoughtlessly lifted the canopy with the struts disconnected and didn't support it properly. It flipped over and smashed in multiple places.

I definitely need to buy a new plexiglass canopy. The plexiglass was fit and drilled to the frame and skirts. I'm concerned I may need to buy those as well and start fresh.

Is there any technique (careful drilling by eye, or something more clever) to drill a new plexiglass canopy to the frame with existing holes?

David,

Ouch, I'm sorry to hear that! Did you build or buy your 12iS?

The reason I ask is, if you build it, remember when you drilled the rear canopy frame bow? The holes were already in the canopy frame, you had to match them to the plexiglass canopy by looking through the glass. There isn't any reason you couldn't use the same method for the holes you drilled in the front bow. (See KAI page 39iS/U-08, step #3 for details.) If you're frame isn't seriously damaged, I wouldn't scrap it.

Have you already done the fiberglass work? If so you'll need new C-1202 canopy skirts, C-1208 canopy foam, and probably C-01203A-1 and C-01203B-1s for good measure.

 

[DavidHarris]

We are building. The canopy was two years ago, but that rings a bell now about drilling visually.

Thankfully no fiberglass yet.

Ouch!

 

[bwms]

We are building. The canopy was two years ago, but that rings a bell now about drilling visually.

Thankfully no fiberglass yet.

Ouch!

David it happened to me yesterday. After so much time and care, in an instant the canopy flopped over, the airframe rolled back and it was all over. Second time around I will be better I guess.

 

[Fisherpd]

Sorry to hear about your accident. When I was moving the canopy without the air struts, I tied a rope from the canopy handle to the roll bar. That acts as a good safety to keep the canopy off the cowling.

 

[bwms]

Sorry to hear about your accident. When I was moving the canopy without the air struts, I tied a rope from the canopy handle to the roll bar. That acts as a good safety to keep the canopy off the cowling.

Thank you, that's a great idea. I'll do that. Have deconstructed the broken bits tonight, quickest way to heal the pain