Canopy latch mod

[Sonex825]

I like that tab you stick in there... I made mine a bit longer with an additional indent too but never use it since it just flexes and doesn't really stay. I might have to do something like this.


Eric M

[sport65]

I just purchased some 1" by 3" t6 from AS to make the mod,and it does not have
A radius on the inside of the angle. Is this acceptable to use? I figured if it was from AS,
It would have the radius like all the other angles for aircraft use.

[gammaxy]

Building the latch might actually be easier without the radius. I had to grind my nylon washers to fit into the radiused corner and I even substituted a round tube for that part of the canopy frame (because the square tube in the plans didn't fit my radiused angle). I had the opposite problem--the angle I ordered had much more radius than shown in the plans.

I probably wouldn't hesitate to use your angle.

[sport65]

Thanks Chris! I definitely like the no radius, I just want to make sure it is not a strength issue. All the angles I have used have the radius, so I'm confused as to why Aircraft Spruce sent me an angle without the radius. I have herd the Sonex won't fly without the canopy, so I want to be sure.

[rizzz]

Thanks Chris! I definitely like the no radius, I just want to make sure it is not a strength issue. All the angles I have used have the radius, so I'm confused as to why Aircraft Spruce sent me an angle without the radius. I have herd the Sonex won't fly without the canopy, so I want to be sure.

I just finished my canopy and I can concur, an angle with no radius would have been easier. I ground away part of the radius with my Dremel tool to get the washers to fit.
That said, the 6061T6 aluminium angles usually all have the radius. The angles with no radius are usually a different grade. It probably does not matter for this part but just check what it is to make sure anyway.

[sport65]

Well hope everyone had a great Christmas !! Thanks for the replies! Just got word from the Sonex tech
Gurus it is good to go. I tried to order from AS to avoid wondering about strength or compatibility issues, and still had them. So if you don't mind 3" instead of 4" angle to raise the canopy a little less, AS is good to go without the radius.
Thanks guys