I am trying to finish my powered sailplane. I wish to have a latch that holds the canopy closed. The canopy is hinged from the right side, and must be latched on the left. Any tips greatly appreciated.

How about using a rare earth magnet instead of a latch? I suspect that would work just fine.

I use magnets to hold the hatches on the majority of my glow planes and have not had any problems. I use 1/4" square magnets imbeded in the fuselage and a metal strip on the hatch. Each of the magnets has a holding "power" of 6lbs. I usuely use 2 on my 40 size planes, however I do have a 60 size (relatively fast plane ) that I use 4 on since the hatch is about 4" x 7" .

Rare earth magnets from Radio Shack.

OK, I have the magnets....2 ea 3/32" thick by 1/2" dia, and I have found some ferrous material for them to work. Can someone tell me how they work? I don't understand how they are supposed to keep the latch closed with enough in flight force and still be moveable by me when I wish to open the canopy?
This is SO helpful. Thank You.

You glue the magnets on the fixed portion of the plane and the metal strip on the canopy. Two of those magnegs (one towards the front and one towards the rear) will have plenty of holding power.