kevinh
Well Known Member
Hi ya'll,
A recent thread about RV spin recovery and bailing out has prompted me to describe my canopy modification... Supposedly the aerodynamic loads are such that you can't open a slider in flight. However, you might want to consider the following change:
Use quick release pins to replace the two screws that hold the forward slider bow onto the track/wheel assembies (sorry - don't have the plans here with me for part numbers). From the testing I performed in flight you can slightly lift/lower these wheels with the pressure of your hand, so I don't think these screws are highly loaded.
I used McMaster-Carr #92384A013. This part is the exact diameter of the 3/16" screw it replaces. The grip is exactly 3/4" so it perfectly fits the slider bow. Positive locking so you can't accidentally pull it out - but I safetied them in anyways with a 'pull to break' nylon tie that I liberated from work. I also attached a short tether to allow for some forcefull pulling, but my testing showed that the pins come out quite easily once the button is pressed.
I made this change mostly for post crash egress. Hopefully saving me from having to hack at a jammed canopy.
However, if you are concerned about in flight ejection: I'd bet that if you pull these two pins the canopy will be leaving just as soon as you turn the handle at the top. I don't know what the behavior would be as the aft center block on the slider rips off of the track. But if you are jumping out anyway, it will at least guarantee you can leave.
Of course, your milage may vary.
A recent thread about RV spin recovery and bailing out has prompted me to describe my canopy modification... Supposedly the aerodynamic loads are such that you can't open a slider in flight. However, you might want to consider the following change:
Use quick release pins to replace the two screws that hold the forward slider bow onto the track/wheel assembies (sorry - don't have the plans here with me for part numbers). From the testing I performed in flight you can slightly lift/lower these wheels with the pressure of your hand, so I don't think these screws are highly loaded.
I used McMaster-Carr #92384A013. This part is the exact diameter of the 3/16" screw it replaces. The grip is exactly 3/4" so it perfectly fits the slider bow. Positive locking so you can't accidentally pull it out - but I safetied them in anyways with a 'pull to break' nylon tie that I liberated from work. I also attached a short tether to allow for some forcefull pulling, but my testing showed that the pins come out quite easily once the button is pressed.
I made this change mostly for post crash egress. Hopefully saving me from having to hack at a jammed canopy.
However, if you are concerned about in flight ejection: I'd bet that if you pull these two pins the canopy will be leaving just as soon as you turn the handle at the top. I don't know what the behavior would be as the aft center block on the slider rips off of the track. But if you are jumping out anyway, it will at least guarantee you can leave.
Of course, your milage may vary.
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