RivetBangers.com

gsimatos · Class E Joined: 19 Oct 2006 Posts: 182

I am just getting ready to tackle the canopy and I see on many of the builder web sites that the quick release for the canopy is omitted and bolts are used in its place. This would sure simplify things and free up some space behind the panel but I wonder about going away from the original design. Would any of you have some thoughts on this? I would be interested to hear from you. Thanks G

cjensen · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:14 pm Post subject:

I put mine in, but I didn't run it thru the panel. The release "T" handle runs straight down from the mechanism.

This will allow the canopy to come off easily if maintenance is needed.
_________________
Chad Jensen
N755CB|RV-7|Airworthy 7/6/2010
RV-7 Build Log

Brantel · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:28 pm Post subject:

Ain't using it because I want my radio stack to go right thru that area. Chad's solution is very cool if you don't need anything to go thru there.
_________________
Brantel
RV-7/TU, #72823, N159SB
O-360Carb, 2 Slicks, FP Metal Prop
D100,D120,HS34,AP74,SV32Roll,SV42Pitch, Aera 510, A210 Com, KT76A xPonder, Zaon XRX PCAS, PM3000, LS Zulu Headsets Phase I completed 06/12/10
Dynon AP Alpha/Beta tester

weezbad · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:45 pm Post subject:

installed mine per plans but,,,, i may not cut the slits in the fwd upper skin. Embarassed

_________________
william....don't let it beat you down, you are stronger than you think.

gsimatos · Class E Joined: 19 Oct 2006 Posts: 182

Thanks you guys. Chad I was wondering how the "T" handle retracts the pins in that position in the photo?? Thanks G

1:1_Scale · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 12:07 am Post subject:

Looks like you just reach under the panel and give it a twist? Smile

_________________
Kelly
RV-7 Empennage done, wings done, working on fuselage

cjensen · Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 12:15 am Post subject:

Yep, just give it a twist, and it releases the pins. It's really easy to do without the front deck skin on, but once that is in place, you need pliers to get it to budge.

This is not my original idea...I stole it from Bill Repucci. Works great though!
_________________
Chad Jensen
N755CB|RV-7|Airworthy 7/6/2010
RV-7 Build Log

cnpeters · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 12:15 am Post subject:

But getting back to the original post - how many people have really used this feature for future maintenance? I'm not sure I've heard anyone needing or using it. Is it a nice thing to have if you have the room?
_________________
Carl Peters
RV-9A
N92RV (reserved)
Fuselage
http://www.mykitlog.com/cnpeters/

cjensen · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:26 am Post subject:

With there being so few completions on this board, we probably won't get a good sample here.

In my case, I did not need that subpanel space, so it was an easy choice to put it in, just in case I ever did need to remove the canopy.

I do know of one person that said he removes his canopy at each condition inspection, but I doubt that's the majority.
_________________
Chad Jensen
N755CB|RV-7|Airworthy 7/6/2010
RV-7 Build Log

gsimatos · Class E Joined: 19 Oct 2006 Posts: 182

Chad,
Seems to me with the excellent exposure of the "behind the panel" area, your arrangement might be the best of both worlds. Even as designed, it would be dicey to attempt to jetison the canopy in flight, don't you think??

aparchment · Class D Joined: 15 Nov 2005 Posts: 487

Aw heck, who needs a head? Thinking is so overrated.

cjensen · Airworthy 7/6/2010

weezbad · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 4:51 pm Post subject:

i was thinking the canopy may leave the aircraft from lifting up in the front. not from opening at the back.if so i wouldnt worry som much about the head removal part.

as far as jumping to your death and at the risk of being totally morbid..
ever seen a burn victim? the jumping will result in a body to recover. the staying in usually resulsts in parts that look like halloween coustme parts, as it was described to me by a friend that recovers victims from crash scenes.

oh and what if the plane were on fire? i really dont want to burn to death. at least this way i can jump and close my eyes for a minute. or take ten times as long and burn to death.

moderators , feel free( i know you do ) to remove if to graphic, i understand . Embarassed

_________________
william....don't let it beat you down, you are stronger than you think.

Brantel · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 5:36 pm Post subject:

If I was in this situation and I was going to jump out without a chute...(Yes I would if I knew there were no other way, burning is not my idea of a way to go), I would pull that sucker up to a stall, open the latch and push that canopy up and get out. It would open if you slowed it down.
_________________
Brantel
RV-7/TU, #72823, N159SB
O-360Carb, 2 Slicks, FP Metal Prop
D100,D120,HS34,AP74,SV32Roll,SV42Pitch, Aera 510, A210 Com, KT76A xPonder, Zaon XRX PCAS, PM3000, LS Zulu Headsets Phase I completed 06/12/10
Dynon AP Alpha/Beta tester

cjensen · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 5:44 pm Post subject:

I do agree...plane on fire, I'm jumping. I also agree that the canopy will open at a slow enough speed, so the jettison function is irrelevant if opening the canopy.

There is a *slight* chance one could live from a jump without a 'chute as well. It has happened...land in a tree just right...through the roof of a hay barn...happen to land on a giant airbag for stunts... Wink

_________________
Chad Jensen
N755CB|RV-7|Airworthy 7/6/2010
RV-7 Build Log

weezbad · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:01 pm Post subject:

cjensen · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:05 pm Post subject:

ALMOST!!?? Surprised

You never know what's below! Wink

_________________
Chad Jensen
N755CB|RV-7|Airworthy 7/6/2010
RV-7 Build Log

captain_john · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 8:37 am Post subject:

Hey guys, I had to say something about this because it is something I have been stewing over too.

In the not too distant past I posted some pics of Jack R's plane. I was talking to him and saying that I wanted to use the center of the panel for my radio stack. The ''hat part'' (part shaped like a hat that stiffens the sub panel) is in the way. I suggested relocating the jettison hardware and moving it 5-6'' to the passenger's side. He said, ''You mean like I did''? (pics are in my gallery)

Needless to say, I want to have my cake and eat it too. It takes a bit of modification, but I am going to try it... regardless of the fact that I will likely never ever use the release mechanism in flight.

...my two!

(WOW! that was hard to type on this palmtop device! You won't see too many replies from me while I am on the road!)

Smile

CJ
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N357JS Registered!
RV-7 Fuselage
Everyday there's an airshow at Hangar #5!
(and now Hangar #3 as well!)
Why not collect them all!?!

weezbad · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 8:51 am Post subject:

Rockyjs · Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2008 11:40 pm Post subject:

During the build I've removed the canopy a few times. I ended up cutting the T handle into a short L and terminated it at the sub-panel with an Adel clamp. I decided that I wouldn't jettison the canopy in-flight so my release is installed for maintenance only. I know the canopy will be coming off after phase I for painting. If you ever need to do panel work at a later date, it's very convenient to pull the handle and remove the canopy for great access.