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DaveG601XL
Joined: 27 Oct 2006
Posts: 351
Location: Cincinnati, Oh
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 Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 9:07 am Post subject: Bar Across Canopy Hoop and Other Thoughts |
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When I flew my AMD601XL check ride a few weeks ago, I noticed two things about the canopy: 1. I was not totally comfortable with latching the canopy and had to do it twice to reassure myself that it was secured. 2. When we opened the canopy upon returning, I almost was not able to grab it quickly enough to prevent it from blowing open due to the windy day.
At Oshkosh last year, there was a customer built 601XL in the Zenith booth that had a modification which caught my eye. This XL had a bar going horizontally across from one side of the aft canopy support hoop to the other at just around shoulder level. The picture I took of it is attached to this post. I guess I can see both positive and negative attributes to this bar. It can give you something to grab to help in both opening and closing the canopy. On the other hand, I see where it could be a ‘head knocker’ or a barrier to being able to reach into the baggage area. Fortunately, in this airplane, it is bolted in and thus easily removable if it turns out to be more of a pain than a help.
I have also seen numerous 601’s with a strap or rope attached at the top of the hoop (Mac’s, for example). This can be an aid in initially pulling it back to close as well as to control the opening on a windy day.
Since I am working on my canopy now, I am interested in this and other intriguing additions to aid with canopy operation. Does anyone out there flying have any thoughts or suggestions on the usefulness of these types of modifications??
Thanks,
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David Gallagher
Cincinnati, OH area |
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Jeyoung65(at)aol.com
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| Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 9:45 am Post subject: Bar Across Canopy Hoop and Other Thoughts |
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Did you ask the owner why the bar was there? Looks to me like it could be used to retain the baggage from flying forward. I would find it hard to use to close the canopy as it looks like it is behind the seats. DO NOT ARCHIVE Jerry of GA
In a message dated 4/23/2008 1:10:54 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, david.m.gallagher(at)ge.com writes:
| Quote: | | http://forums.matronics.com//files/img_6607_959.jpg |
Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos.
[quote][b]
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larry(at)macsmachine.com
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| Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 10:05 am Post subject: Bar Across Canopy Hoop and Other Thoughts |
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Hi Dave,
I've had 3 occasions that my canopy wasn't latched after takeoff and
that gave me cause for finding a method to determine if the
latches are in fact secure. The suggestion taken from this list was
putting a slot that visually crosses the rear latch bar. Then
white paint was applied to the side of the bar and a white line was
applied that aligned with the bar in the fully latched condition.
Sometimes the latch is not totally secure, but it's easily seen and
corrected by tapping or re-latching. I've had no problems
since the fix. The link shows it all without paint, sorry, but it's easy
to contrast a black background and white lines from the pilot's seat.
http://www.macsmachine.com/images/canopy/full/latchlockslot.gif
On safety strapping the canopy at the top rib; I've found myself kiting
across the airport apron like the Mayflower more than once.
Just after climbing out on the wing, the strap is easier to get hold of
and it will prevent serious damage to canopy sheet metal and
cowl in gusty conditions. You only need a thin 3/4 inch wide nylon strap
with the nylon buckles to get the job done.
http://www.macsmachine.com/images/canopy/full/viewupperbracket.jpg
http://www.macsmachine.com/images/canopy/full/viewcanopyopenside.jpg
This is seriously cheap insurance for your canopy and it's easily done.
Larry McFarland
601HDS at www.macsmachine.com
DaveG601XL wrote:
| Quote: |
When I flew my AMD601XL check ride a few weeks ago, I noticed two things about the canopy: 1. I was not totally comfortable with latching the canopy and had to do it twice to reassure myself that it was secured. 2. When we opened the canopy upon returning, I almost was not able to grab it quickly enough to prevent it from blowing open due to the windy day.
At Oshkosh last year, there was a customer built 601XL in the Zenith booth that had a modification which caught my eye. This XL had a bar going horizontally across from one side of the aft canopy support hoop to the other at just around shoulder level. The picture I took of it is attached to this post. I guess I can see both positive and negative attributes to this bar. It can give you something to grab to help in both opening and closing the canopy. On the other hand, I see where it could be a ‘head knocker’ or a barrier to being able to reach into the baggage area. Fortunately, in this airplane, it is bolted in and thus easily removable if it turns out to be more of a pain than a help.
I have also seen numerous 601’s with a strap or rope attached at the top of the hoop (Mac’s, for example). This can be an aid in initially pulling it back to close as well as to control the opening on a windy day.
Since I am working on my canopy now, I am interested in this and other intriguing additions to aid with canopy operation. Does anyone out there flying have any thoughts or suggestions on the usefulness of these types of modifications??
Thanks,
--------
David Gallagher
601 XL, working on final assembly.
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=178683#178683
Attachments:
http://forums.matronics.com//files/img_6607_959.jpg
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DaveG601XL
Joined: 27 Oct 2006
Posts: 351
Location: Cincinnati, Oh
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| Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 10:37 am Post subject: Re: Bar Across Canopy Hoop and Other Thoughts |
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The owner was not there with the plane so I could not ask. I asked Nick Heintz what he thought and all I got for a reply was something like 'unnecessary.'
Mac, I too have made the slot by the lever, but have not yet had the opportunity to view it from the seat. I would think that the pilot would have a hard time seeing his side, since it is behind him, but I will take your word for it.
Thanks,
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David Gallagher
Cincinnati, OH area |
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Gig Giacona
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1416
Location: El Dorado Arkansas USA
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| Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 10:39 am Post subject: Re: Bar Across Canopy Hoop and Other Thoughts |
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So am I and let me start with this little hissy fit, "I HATE THE CANOPY."
I love the visibility it provides but it is the single worse designed thing to build in the whole kit. I damn near lost an arm in WW's tail dragger at CC #10 when Gus was about to take me up and just as I was getting seated the canopy started coming down.
I like the idea shown in the pic you posted Dave. One problem it might solve for me is the canopy latches not lining up properly when I close it. Plus it gives you a good place to attach strap from the airframe to the canopy to both stop it from opening too far in wind and to pull it down. The fact that it also acts as an additional stop for stuff in the baggage area from flying into the back of your head is a bonus.
| DaveG601XL wrote: |
Since I am working on my canopy now, I am interested in this and other intriguing additions to aid with canopy operation. Does anyone out there flying have any thoughts or suggestions on the usefulness of these types of modifications??
Thanks, |
| | - The Matronics Zenith-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Zenith-List |
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W.R. "Gig" Giacona
601XL Under Construction
See my progress at www.peoamerica.net/N601WR |
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