Water ingress around canopy latch handle

[RayJay]

Does anyone have issues with water ingress around the canopy latch handle? I just finished up the forward tunnel skin and was thinking of installing a JD Air latch handle when I realized I had spent a lot of time putting sealant around the skin to keep water out to just have a big hole cut in the side that will be exposed to the elements. Maybe I'm over thinking it, but how do you keep water from getting in around the handle?

 

[Jonas1ne]

I haven’t had any major issues with water ingress around the latch handle. A properly fitted handle and good weatherstripping usually keep most of the water out. Some builders also add a thin bead of RTV silicone or a foam gasket behind the handle flange for extra protection. As long as the drain paths are clear and the canopy seal is doing its job, any small amount of moisture that gets past the handle generally isn’t a problem. It’s definitely worth thinking about now while everything is still accessible.