I began fabricating a second canopy latch about 6-8" back from the canopy roll bar. This allows the canopy to be locked partially open on hot days until takeoff. The forward position lets fresh air in while blocking most of the wind blast from any rear seat passenger. I may have to move the rear latch back about 6" so the canopy isn't directly above the mid-brace. A fellow RV-8 flyer says the mid-brace acts as a seat for your butt when entering and exiting the front cockpit as you either slide in or out. You step up onto the left wing, put your right foot on the front seat cushion while sitting on the mid-brace, get your left leg into the plane, place your hands on the canopy side rails, and then lower yourself down into the front seat sliding your legs forward and under the instrument panel. Exiting the bird is just the reverse. You don't so much sit in the RV-8 as you wear it.
