Canopy frame twist

Discussion for builders, pilots, owners, and those interested in building or owning a second generation Sonex or Waiex.

Canopy frame twist

Postby Murray Parr » Thu Jan 28, 2021 3:20 am

Wondering if anyone else having issues with this and looking for suggestions on a suitable fix.
The canopy frame assembly fits my B model perfectly until I screw the canopy to it. Once the canopy is screwed to it, the D03-09L canopy side rail twists slightly which changes the angle and height of the latch angle which makes it impossible to latch the canopy shut. I backed the screws off a bit and made no difference. Attached is a picture showing the side rail gap (2/32”) between it and the longeron on the inside. The outside is flush with the longeron
Attachments
image1.jpeg
image1.jpeg (31.02 KiB) Viewed 1894 times
Murray Parr
WXB0015
Rotax 912ULS
MGL Explorer Lite
First flight May 6/23
RV9 builder (Sold)
Murray Parr
 
Posts: 248
Joined: Fri Nov 18, 2016 6:50 pm

Re: Canopy frame twist

Postby pappas » Thu Jan 28, 2021 1:11 pm

I had a similar issue with my Waiex B. I simply used a 1/4 inch rat-tail file and, "adjusted", the slot in the latch. If you file a little bit of a slope into the angle, wider at the bottom of the opening than at the rear, it will easily engage the bolt and actually tighten the canopy down against the rail just enough to make a good seal.

You may also have to use a slightly longer bolt than you have in the pic that would allow the locknut to sit slightly more inboard to allow for the twist. It was a fairly easy fix and works fine. The mod can be made with the canopy on the airframe. I don't even notice it anymore and no one else will either.
Lou Pappas
Phoenix, AZ
RV-7A Flying (2024)
Waiex B Turbo (2016)
RV-8 (2009)
Waiex Legacy 3300 (2007)
Hiperlight SNS-9 (1991)
Falcon Ultralight (1989)
pappas
 
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Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2017 11:27 am

Re: Canopy frame twist

Postby Murray Parr » Fri Jan 29, 2021 6:23 pm

Thanks Lou,
I did as you suggested and it worked good. I also adjusted the angle of the hook angle a bit so I didn't have to order longer bolts. Sonex suggested the problem may have been caused by me not having the hook angle locked in place while screwing the canopy on. They suggested undoing screws until it locks in place again and screw it down again. i had already made the adjustments so I'm just updating progress so others can learn by it and have the hook angle locked in place while attaching the canopy.
Murray Parr
WXB0015
Rotax 912ULS
MGL Explorer Lite
First flight May 6/23
RV9 builder (Sold)
Murray Parr
 
Posts: 248
Joined: Fri Nov 18, 2016 6:50 pm


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