RV-7 canopy handle

[rv9ajim]

I find it is very difficult to climb up on the wing to unlock the sliding canopy handle in the middle of the windshield. I use the step, but there is no place or handle to grab to pull yourself up on the walkway on the wing. Can anyone suggest anything that will not be ugly on the canopy or fuselage?
Thanks, folks. Jim ([email protected])

 

[Kyle Boatright]

I fabricated a little handle on the side of the canopy skirt. It is a piece of 3/4" x 3/4" angle riveted to the skirt. It is probably 4" long and tapers front to back (wide to narrow). It is just wide enough at the front to grab it with an index finger. As long as the canopy is unlatched, I can open the canopy with it. Alternately, I can use it for a little bit of support as I climb up on the wing.