A simple mod prevents the canopy latch handle rotating to the closed position while you are outside the airplane with the canopy down. Two springs one inch long and 3/8 diameter are fitted into holes drilled about 1/2 inch deep. I pushed a washer to the bottom as a base platform for the springs to push against. A 1/4 inch piece of aluminum bar was cut the size of the UHMW block and I cut 1/4 off the UHMW block to compensate. I filed a depression in the middle of that piece to hold the steel washer that Vans provided. Drilled a #41 hole in the steel tube for a MS24665-283 cotter pin. You depress the aluminum bar against the springs and insert the cotter pin on top of the steel washer. Make sure the washer and cotter pin does not bind on the canopy frame when installed. Mine did and I sanded down the washer diameter. I don't know why Vans would use a washer wider than the UHMW block. Mount it so the opened handle rests just above the bend in the canopy flange. The springs require that you pull down slightly before rotating it to closed position. When you return it to open position it springs upward enough to prevent it from rotating on its own. Great idea stolen from another VAFer.
All parts shown exc cotter pin. Steel washer is for pressure point against cotter pin.
1/4 alum bar filed down in middle to retain washer, which spreads the pulldown load onto the bar.
