Looking for ideas on how to latch the hatch(forward turtle deck with canopy) on a typical 25-40% semi-scale aerobatic plane. Something other than bolts on the outside of the fuselage. Prefer some kind of kwik release system, so I can check things inside without using tools. Here's what I tried on my 25% Edge. Its a spring loaded hook that rotates under the fuselage former. It works nice and fast, but the hatch has a tendency to jump up and down at certain engine rpms. A stiffer spring is to hard to latch. I need a better system. Have any pictures of your latch system you can share? Thanks

Kevin

another shot

Yet another

last shot

The hatch has a dowl at the front to hold it down. The problem is that the spring has a mechanical disadvantage, being located midway back on the hatch, pivits to easy at that point.

Kevin

dont mean to be rude but that looks worse than a bolt.
jets have a spring loaded pin that slides back to take it off.
i think bvm makes them.your lhs should have one.
good luck

I know its crude, but I prefer function over form. Bolts take to long, and shake loose to often. Thanks for your input.

Kevin

Hi Kevin,

There was a great article in RCM a year or two ago with a very simple and quick latch system by a guy named Jerry Dale. I will see if I can find the article. It was on a 37% extra and used a small piece of wire to do the latching. Very slick IMHO.

I have used the BVM " Hatch Latch"for a canopy Latch at the rear corners and a dowel at the front on a 33% Laser. I worked very well for me and as you stated above no bolts to vibrate out and strip etc.

Regards
Bill

That article was in the Nov 2000 issue according to RCM's website. I can remember reading that, to bad I threw those out. Might need to get a backissue. The online back issues only go back to Dec 2000.

I looked at the BV hatch latch. Are those surface mounted with screws? Not sure how they would work in a balsa sheeted foam hatch. Thanks

Kevin

Hey Guys
I fly with Jerry,If you can.t find the needed Info let me know and I will get It from Jerry and post It.

Doug

From what I've seen, Gerry is a very good builder ( the planes that I've seen that he did were Dean Wilson's Smaragd, and Peter Collinson's ZNLine Extra). Peter's ZNLine Extra, and there were something like 2 springs that you undid and the canopy came off. I can't really remember what it looked like, but if you all are interested, I can ask.

I have been using rare earth magnets with great success on all kind of planes, pattern, f5b electrics and yet to loose a hatch or canopy.
geoff