Inquiry on opening the canopy during flight

Abstract:Does anyone know what happens if you fly without the canopy latched -or try to open the canopy in flight?

Subject:Opening canopy in flight
From:"Finbar Sheehy" <finbarsheehy@
Date:10/15/06 7:07 PM
To:Taifun17E@yahoogroups.com

Does anyone know what happens if you fly without the canopy latched -or try to open the canopy in flight?

I'm not planning to open the canopy in flight, but, on the one hand, I'm wondering if there's enough upload on the top of an unlatched canopy to cause it to open itself in flight - and if it did, would it
stop or possibly tear off the aircraft? If it stopped after rolling fully back, would the disturbed airflow affect the controls?

On the other hand, I'm wondering if the rising pressure toward the back of the canopy is enough to hold it down and forward, actually holding it shut - in which case inadvertent opening in flight isn't an issue, but there might not be much point in wearing my parachute because it might not be possible to open the canopy if a bailout was in order! There are bailout instructions in the manual, but that doesn't mean anyone actually tried them!

No flying here this weekend - sunny but blustery weather. Fall is in full swing at last in the northeast US, and we've had our first nights with frost.

Subject:Re: Opening canopy in flight
From:Floyd Smith <duktapeguy@
Date:10/17/06 2:28 AM
To:Taifun17E@yahoogroups.com

Finbar has a very interesting question. I do not have the answer but maybe someone else has had some experience? The question does, however, illistrate the value of this exchange. There many questions folks should have and many with the experience to assist others with answere.
for instance:
One of the owners has replaced the Taifun engine with a Rotax. .... Are there any others with modifications?

With the improved efficiency of vortex generators and or winglets for many aircraft, has anyone tried them for the Taifun?

There has been a front gear failure in our area.....are there any outside Michigan ,,,,,,Has anyone documented a weakness that needs review by all owners?

Is there a test for the responsiveness of the main gears to establish if equal work is being done by each?

Has anyone experienced limits with the use of auto fuel and if so what?

Add your comments and list some of your questions .... you will help others and we can all learn more about our wonderful birds.