SonexBuilders.net

I just pulled the trigger and am going to order the ASA's swingback canopy kit. I'm just starting my fwd fuselage so now is a good time to make the decision. Here's the product, and some pictures (not my pictures)

http://www.americansonexassociation.org ... gback.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/50734158@N ... 7293832558
http://www.flickr.com/photos/50734158@N ... 7293832558

Has anyone done this and have any suggestions for the installation? I'm not going to add a wing walk on the right wing so it's not for dual-sided entry. I like the look, the utility/stability, and the fact that I could have the canopy open with the engine running for cooling.

I've started assembling the ASA swing back canopy that I purchased last year. After assembling the latch mechanisms, I've discovered that there does not appear to be anyway to latch/unlatch the canopy from outside the aircraft, or to lock/padlock the canopy for security. Has anyone else installed this mod that can confirm this?

I can't imagine leaving my canopy unlatched when the aircraft is unattended. If it's true that the design/kit does not include the ability to secure the canopy from outside, it's a pretty big oversight to advertise the mod without disclosing this. It's a feature that the normal/plans canopy has (along with virtually every other aircraft in the world) that is lost by using this kit.

I did a swing back from ASA's plans sheet which gave general ideas. I made my latches per Sonex plans on the left and a mirror on the right. I cut a slot for the outside latch plat on both sides. I also made the block plate from the plans and use matched key padlocks that I carry in the plane. It looks like the kit uses a sliding hook latch similar to the plans version so a handle through the canopy should work. Also consider the right side wing walk, the utility of loading passengers while still seated on the pilot side is worth all the labor of the swing back canopy mod. Also in the hangar I'm in and out on that side without walking around to the other side.

The Asa version uses fixed dogs on the canopy slides, and a latch mechanism mounted under each longeron. It looks like I will have to fabricate a way to manipulate the latches by cutting a slot in the aluminum side panel under the longeron. Not what I'd planned for when I ordered the kit, and there's no guidance for an external latch/lock in the directions (IE. It was apapparently designed without provisions for a way to latch the canopy externally.)

Am interested in how this mod works...what keeps the canopy from twisting? Does the rear flipover arm make it stable enough or are the side arms linked some how to keep them parrallel?

Hi all,
Reference the swing back canopy canopy kit thru ASA , I've tried calling and emailing numerous times but got no response ...... Is the association active and respond to inquiries?


Michael RADTKE
Waiex N143NM

1planeguy wrote:Am interested in how this mod works...what keeps the canopy from twisting? Does the rear flipover arm make it stable enough or are the side arms linked some how to keep them parrallel?

The rear arm is the primary stability. The back of the canopy isn't going anywhere. The front may be able to wobble a bit. I have done a variation of this mode to my sonex, but have not yet started the engine.

I'll post a video showing operation and stability once I'm done with it (hopefully in the next few days.) I did confirm that there is no provision in the kit for latching or locking the canopy from outside. I will need to cut slots in my fuselage side panels and add some sort of handle/lock of my own design.

Other than the lack of external latch, so far I've been pleased with the mod, though it's taking more time than I expected. I'm 21 hours into the swing/latch mechanism and just have the aft pivot point of the middle swing arm to go, which I'll do after the plexiglass canopy is fitted to the frame. I'd guess that this mod adds about 20 hours over the basic Sonex design (a good portion of my time spent was fitting the latch/dogs which would also be done on one side of the normal canopy.)

On my flip back, its very stable in the open position. I did install a flat ⅛ plate of aluminum to replace the cross bar at the back/top. To this is a stainless hinge to mount the arm. On the turtledeck, another stainless hinge. I originally had an alum hinge, but the "twist" quickly tore it. 145 hours and good as new.
As for the latches, I just mirrored the Sonex latch to the other side.

One thing though, you can taxi with it open, but anything above 1500 RPM and the canopy lifts on the arms and bounces back. Typically on a hot day, I'll release the two sides and just set the canopy latches on the longerons giving me about 2 inches of gap around the windscreen. Allows a lot of air.

One other benefit of the flip back is you can leave the plane open on the ground and never have to worry about the wind.

I bought this kit for my xenos project. I'm still working on the wings so have not started the fuse. yet. Please continue posting details of your swingback install, like pictures of the exterior latch you come up with It'll help me & others out.
I also plan to put a wingwalk on both sides.

Rick
zenos 0057