What is everbody using for "quick release" type of latches for their canopy/cockpit hatches on larger planes. I have been using my own "crude homemades" for a while but thought I would see what you guys are using. Anybody have a K.I.S.S. design they want to show off? I know Bob Violett has a nice one that is inexpensive. Are there others from any maunfacturers that you like?

Steve

Go to Radio Shack and get rarer earth magnets. You can use these to hold your hatch in place. I use them to hold the canopy hatch on my Sig SE and I've never had it come off in over 200 flights.

Hope this helps

Be careful when using "quick-release" anything. They tend to do it when you don't want them to! It all depends on the size and/or weight of the item you need to remove. If the item forms part of the aerodynamic surfaces, such as a large canopy (example: used in knife edge flight), rather bolt them in place. Much excitement is caused when such an item leaves the airframe in flight. You will not believe how unflyable a giant scale aircraft, such as an Extra or Edge, becomes if the canopy comes off in flight.

Think it through on what forces will be applied as well as the effect of it coming off in flight might have on the aircraft. I know that on many scale aircraft such as jets the quick-release catches work well. The reason is that the rest of the attached part is well designed to use these catches/releases. These hatches, etc are typically non-load bearing. Just adding a catch or magnet to a frame which was designed to be bolted down is dangerous.

Safe flying!

Thanks Ken,
I have heard of this but never tried. Do you know if anybody uses this type of "attachment" on 35% to 40% sized planes?? I am thinking it would work fine.....if in doubt just add another magnet or two......

Steve

I seem to remember somebody saying they had used them on larger aircraft, but I wouldn't swear to it. Hopefully somebody will post here if they know of it.

Thanks Blick....

I know what you mean about a large canopy hatch coming off in flight. I have lost a couple but luckily it did not affect the aerodynamics too much and landed safely. Both of these hatches were bolted on. I know many of the large (35% plus) planes have "quick release latches). I have watched them remove these at many fly-ins and contests. I have been using my own spring loaded / pushrod plunger system for a while with good results. I was just curious what others were using and if it sounded better or easier to make I may try it.

Steve

I'm using quick release on a GP Patty Wagstaff 80" w DA-50R

Made them myself, but would not make them again.

Hobby Lobby has several variants of latch pins ... reasonably priced.
personally I like their metal versions that only require a hole drilled in a mounting block for installation.

Have not had a minutes trouble with my home made ... makes removing the canopy a lot less aggravating. ( I'm lazy)