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dredmoody(at)cox.net
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 Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:38 pm Post subject: Canopy ideas |
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Hi Guys,
I'm about 80% done with the canopy on my 601XL and I have a thought to share with the list. I recall lots of references to cutting a little oval slot in the inside flashing of the canopy frame to allow us to release the latch with a small screwdriver if the cable release linkage fails. I don't however recall anyone saying anything about access to release the latch form outside the plane in such a case.
Of course, one could unscrew all the self tapping screws and remove the bubble from the canopy frame but I would like something simpler if the need arises. So, I've decided to drill a 1/4" hole through the steel plate between the rear bow tube socket and the latch mechanism and tap it for 5/16" x 18 threads to accept an allen socket set screw (to serve as a plug in the hole). The hole will be in line with the latch release lever to allow me to reach through with a small screwdriver to release the latch from outside the airplane. The set screw will seal the hole (with removable Loctite) until that access is needed, if ever. Since the set screw is only about 1/4" long, it will not protrude significantly from the side of the airplane, nor will it interfere with the movement of the latch release lever. The outside flashing will be back-drilled at 5/16" to align over the hole. The entire project adds no significant weight and costs about 70 cents. It could save a lot of grief someday if the cable linkage fails (like away from home base, for instance).
I am also planning to make riveted (or screw retained) access hatches over the cable end adjustment fittings in the inside flashing on both sides for future cable slack adjustment. Why have the adjustment devices if we have no access to them, right?
While I'm fairly certain that I'm not the first builder to do these little innovations, I don't remember anyone mentioning it for the list to consider. Anybody got other wonderful suggestions to consider before I rivet the canopy frame together in a week or so?
Dred
PS: After I woke up at 3AM a few nights in a row, I finally got the mental picture of what I needed to do to properly adjust the side frames, the rear bow tube sockets and the rear bow itself. After that I didn't feel like cussing every time I looked at the canopy frame. It was sort of like a twelve step program for amature aircraft builders. I feel much better now, thanks.
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Gig Giacona
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1416
Location: El Dorado Arkansas USA
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| Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 1:27 pm Post subject: Re: Canopy ideas |
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Well Dred since you got yours fignured out you want to come up here and work on mine? The construction manual is about || this close to useless on canopy installation.
DO NOT ARCHIVE
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_________________
W.R. "Gig" Giacona
601XL Under Construction
See my progress at www.peoamerica.net/N601WR |
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japhillipsga(at)aol.com
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| Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:54 am Post subject: Canopy ideas |
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Ed, I found I could trip the latch from the ends with an ice pick from the outside. After you get it all adjusted and working you'll find the system reliable. Something I recommend you consider is to cut access holes on the inside side panels that corresponds with the cable adjustment nuts. I made three holes about 2 x 2 and made little thin cover plates with small pan head screws to attach. I 've had them off a couple times since completion. Going to Sun n Fun ? I'll get there in time for the Thursday bar b que. Hope to meet you there, Best regards, Bill of Georgia
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dredmoody(at)cox.net
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| Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 1:05 pm Post subject: Canopy ideas |
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Great think alike Bill. I just cut 1.5" diameter holes in the inside flashings and made square covers for them the covers will be secured by four small pan head sheet metal screws. I though, "Why have cable adjustments without access to use them?"
What I did for emergency opening from the outside is I drilled and thread tapped a 5/16" hole on each side through which I can poke the latch open. Normally, a allen socket set screw will occupy that hole to seal out bugs and rain.
Regretably, I will not be at Sun N Fun this year. Got too many "really important" things to get done here. You know how that goes. I'm working fairly steadily on the plane and I'm building a new hangar for the ultralight and the Zodiac.
Ed
---- japhillipsga(at)aol.com wrote:
[quote] Ed, I found I could trip the latch from the ends with an ice pick from the outside. After you get it all adjusted and working you'll find the system reliable. Something I recommend you consider is to cut access holes on the inside side panels that corresponds with the cable adjustment nuts. I made three holes about 2 x 2 and made little thin cover plates with small pan head screws to attach. I 've had them off a couple times since completion. Going to Sun n Fun ? I'll get there in time for the Thursday bar b que. Hope to meet you there, Best regards, Bill of Georgia
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