Canopy Latch

[saddler]

Question about the canopy latch. The plans call for a lock pin to keep the canopy from opening in flight. I was wondering if you guys used this method and are happy with it or did you use something else? It is cheap and simple but I wouldn't mind a different option.

Something like this is what I was thinking.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/h ... 401473.php

Not trying to over think this just wondering what everyone else has done.

Thanks!

[rizzz]

I know Mike Smith did something similar, he has the detail on his log:
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 6165&row=3

[gammaxy]

I used this one: http://www.mcmaster.com/#98404a101/=vhg84k

18-8 Stainless Steel Quick-Release Pin 5/32" Diameter, 0.8" Usable Length


I like the small diameter of mine, but I'm not sure how long I can use it before the ball wears the aluminum to the point that it no longer positively locks in place. When that happens, I may upgrade but it has worked great so far.

[mike.smith]

I know Mike Smith did something similar, he has the detail on his log:
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 6165&row=3

Yup. That's what I used, and it works great. You need to make sure you don't oversize the hole. Best to start small and tight, and slightly upsize until it sets in place. This particular pin is great because pressing the button retracts the ball, so it doesn't wear out the hole when putting the pin in and taking it out. I have a hole in my instrument panel where I keep it when it's not locking the canopy closed. The problem with that is that if you drop it, it may get to a really inaccessible location between or under the seats (wonder how I know that?). I plan to add a short cable or piece of fishing line to connect it to the latch handle or to the fuselage angle.

[GordonTurner]

I haven't gotten to the canopy (ok, not even to the fuselage) yet but looking at the pictures in Mike Smith's log I have to ask why there isn't just a small spring built in to hold the latch forward?

Gordon

[fastj22]

I have the swing back canopy mod, and use two pins (one on each side) to lock the canopy. There is zero chance the canopy can open in flight using this system. Springs and other mechanisms might not. Look at all the CH601/650 accidents caused by their canopies opening in flight. Their system is a simple trunk latch found in cars. You would think it was fool proof.

These are the pins I used, a bit more expensive but has a lanyard you can rivet to the airframe so you can't lose them and immediately can identify if you forgot to pin it. They look good too.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#94748a207/=vhpdgk

[WaiexN143NM]

Hi Sean,
I ordered the first 2 pins u listed from aircraft spruce, but one was too short and another too long. I found an exact looking pin like aircraft spruce u listed in the fly market at Oshkosh. They are nice to grab with the finger wings. We also put a flex chain on it and attached to canopy frame, can never be lost. Make a list of parts like this and check out the fly market at OSH. Always a good excuse to visit Oshkosh each year is the Monnett's homecoming on Sunday and hangar party on Monday.

Michael RADTKE waiex #143

[saddler]

I know Mike Smith did something similar, he has the detail on his log:
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 6165&row=3

Yup. That's what I used, and it works great. You need to make sure you don't oversize the hole. Best to start small and tight, and slightly upsize until it sets in place. This particular pin is great because pressing the button retracts the ball, so it doesn't wear out the hole when putting the pin in and taking it out. I have a hole in my instrument panel where I keep it when it's not locking the canopy closed. The problem with that is that if you drop it, it may get to a really inaccessible location between or under the seats (wonder how I know that?). I plan to add a short cable or piece of fishing line to connect it to the latch handle or to the fuselage angle.

After I made the original post I did some searching and came up with exactly what you listed Mike. I need to go out and measure the required grip length but I think I will be going with this option. There are multiple listings on amazon for them. I like the 3/16 version. Not cheap but a nice alternative to the plans called for lock pin.

[mike.smith]

After I made the original post I did some searching and came up with exactly what you listed Mike. I need to go out and measure the required grip length but I think I will be going with this option. There are multiple listings on amazon for them. I like the 3/16 version. Not cheap but a nice alternative to the plans called for lock pin.

I bought the shortest pin possible.

[avee8r]

Hi All
I use a 3/16 inch "Pip pin" 3/4 inches long with a button to release the locking ball. I store it in a hole in the factory throttle quadrant. I drilled a hole at the forward end of the canopy locking slide forward "slot".
It works Great!
Happy Landings
John Maxfield
N50NX