Securing the Canopy
Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2023 4:48 pm
by Nick
Can someone or everyone please send me Ideas on how to Secure the Canopy from the outside. Thanks
Re: Securing the Canopy
Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2023 5:51 pm
by XenosN42
I use the method shown in the plans. Works well for me.
Re: Securing the Canopy
Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2023 7:23 pm
by GraemeSmith
Peter Anson Canopy Latch.
http://www.ansoneng.com/sample-page/pro … ety-latch/
Re: Securing the Canopy
Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2023 10:47 pm
by peter anson
Seeing Graeme has already given me a plug I’ll add some information. In the photo below of the B model canopy latch you can see a 6mm hole through the press-release button on the outside handle. You can fit a small padlock through that hole to prevent the canopy from being opened.
Let’s face it; it’s only going to keep honest people out, but that’s pretty much the case with the standard Sonex arrangement too.
Peter
Re: Securing the Canopy
Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2023 10:48 pm
by karmarepair
GraemeSmith wrote:Peter Anson Canopy Latch.
Second. I LOVE my Peter Anson latch. So positive and secure from inside or out (put a padlock through the hole in the external push button.
Re: Securing the Canopy
Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2023 6:08 pm
by daleandee
XenosN42 wrote:I use the method shown in the plans. Works well for me.
It does. Other methods are fine I guess but add complexity & weight. Been using the plans method for over 10 years and it works well.
I added a cabinet lock that, if fitted correctly, allows the canopy to be locked with a key from the outside only. Don’t think it would stop a thief but at a fly-in if I have to be away from the plane it usually deters those that might want to open the canopy & play with the controls or the buttons …
Re: Securing the Canopy
Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2023 6:45 pm
by GraemeSmith
Be interesting to hear from folks who lost canopies that opened during taxi or take off roll.
I am GUESSING - they closed the canopy but failed to pin it. It’s a TWO step operation. The canopy slide slid back and bazinga.
The Anson latch - you HAVE to engage it fully as part of a ONE step operation to close and lock the canopy.
–
The Anson latch has an advantage of being able to be operated from outside by a rescuer. If you pin yourself into the cockpit - it’s a bit harder for rescuers.
–
Disclosure - I have the Anson latch…
Re: Securing the Canopy
Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2023 12:30 am
by Rick524
I hate to admit it…but I forgot to pin the canopy once, and nothing bad happened.
Re: Securing the Canopy
Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2023 9:04 am
by Tnhelm
I use the Peter Anson canopy latch modified by Peter to fit a OneX. Works great, love it.
Tnhelm
Onex 0137
Re: Securing the Canopy
Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2023 9:40 am
by builderflyer
Rick524 wrote:I hate to admit it…but I forgot to pin the canopy once, and nothing bad happened.
You were fortunate. I recall at least two instances where the canopy did open in flight and despite having a harrowing experience, both were able to land safely. I’ll bet those pilots never forgot to install the pin again.
Art,Sonex taildragger #95,Jabiru 3300 #261
Re: Securing the Canopy
Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2023 11:15 am
by Bryan Cotton
My kid and I have watched the canopy opening videos. Made a big impression. We have it as a checklist item.
Our canopy latch also has a spring that pulls the latch closed. That is a great feature.
Regarding locking the canopy, we made the lock feature according to the plans but have never bothered.
Re: Securing the Canopy
Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2023 11:30 am
by Nick
Thanks everyone, I will be ordering the Anson Latch. Thanks for all the info
Re: Securing the Canopy
Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2023 4:54 pm
by Murray Parr
I made a latch that JM shared with is in the link below. Made from scrap plus a spring and it works very well.
viewtopic.php?f=21&t=6718&p=53311&hilit=canopy+latch#p50839
Re: Securing the Canopy
Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2023 10:29 am
by dbdevkc
I also have the latch from Peter Anson. Not installed yet, but it is a nice piece of engineering and well made. It adds almost no weight.