Date:	12-6-2009
Number of Hours:	12.00
Brief Description:	More canopy
This past weekend my order from Wicks arrived, so I installed all the 'right' hardware with the canopy parts I made. I also installed Bronze flange bushings (oil impregnated) at all the pivot points. Image 1 shows the canopy in the up position. Moving/lifting the canopy up is easy and works well. I still have more work to do to make closing it as nice. Since closing it means the hooks and alignment pins on both sides have to line up properly for it to close nice, I'll have to make a few adjustments Image 2 just shows that the outside looks just like the original design. Image 3 shows the cockpit with the canopy closed. There is enough room for the pilot's shoulder to fit aft of the canopy arms, so the cockpit width isn't reduced where it's really needed. But seeing how it's such a little cockpit to start with, any size reduction is noticed. There are a few little modifications I need to make so it works better. Then I'll have to decide if I want to keep it or not. So far, I'm leaning towards keeping it, if nothing else, just because it's different. The main drawback (as I see it) for this flip-forward design is the clumsy way I have to open the canopy from the outside. The has to be done in three steps: first, from either side, using the tab that sticks out through the plexiglass, slide the forks aft and lift that side of the canopy so the forks disengage from their slots and set the canopy side back down, resting the forks on the longeron. Second, do the same to the other side. Third, grab the center of the canopy (including the bows) at the front and rear of the canopy and lift it forward and up until it's open. This is probably the same as the flip back design, but it still seems clumsy. Maybe I can automate it???