I have developed a "click" when I close my canopy from one side. The click occurs in the last 8", and is coming from the right hinge area. One thought is the canopy is twisting because the cylinders are not helping enough. I am thinking that maybe the lift assist cylinders are getting weak. Is there a spec to test their strength?
Van's Air Force
Don't miss anything! Register now for full access to the definitive RV support community.
canopy lift cylinders
- Thread starter seagull
- Start date
Many struts have their force printed on their label, often in Newtons. Remove the strut, compress it half way, hold it against a scale and compare the reading (convert pounds to Newtons, or vice-versa) to the spec.
We had an RV 14 on the field that had a very distinctive click. It was the canopy leading edge skirt hanging up on the fuselage upper skin. We couldn’t figure it out till we had a third expert standing in front of the plane. It was caused by the canopy twisting a bit.
Last edited:
Vans says the compression force is 460N and expansion force is 300N, in pounds thats 103# / 67#. Mine measures 36# left and 45# right. The weakness is probably allowing the canopy to twist when lowering causing it to scrape. Interestingly Vans is cheapest on these struts at $20 each.
I had a distinct click that turned into an interference when opening my canopy. Discovered that the canopy frame aft of the hinge bolt was catching on the avionics cowl. Took a fair bit of “shrinking” the cowl skin to eliminate the bulge caused by forcing the canopy open.
Amadeus
Well Known Member
There is a 3D printable canopy "hold-open" or you could use PVC pipe and notch out to do the same.
Canopy hold open options
My canopy got hit by a gust of wind and it shut without guidance. The pilot side latch was damaged, but repairable. Has anyone come up with a good solution to keep the canopy in the open position? Thanks in advance!
vansairforce.net
Refer to Post #8
With lifters that have the proper strength the wind isn’t a problem.
Amadeus
Well Known Member
Just a suggestion. My lifters are still fairly new and have proper strength but I'm not walking away from my -12 without one of these in place. If you're okay with building a new canopy and not flying during the time it takes to make the new canopy that's up to you. But if I don't have a hand on the canopy one of these is in place.
