Side-mounted canopy -- Prevent blowing shut?

At 01:07 10 September 2008, V1 wrote:
Thanks to everyone who provided suggestions. I'm seeing that it's
even more critical to close AND lock than I had considered - a great
tip from Richard (the voice of expensive experience).

- Frank

If your Ventus has a lifting panel then raise the panel every time you
open the canopy. You might get some minor damage to your instrument
cowling (or, in my case, lose the PDA) but it should save the canopy.

John Galloway

On Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:37:40 -0700, V1 wrote:

I have a side-mounted canopy (Ventus 2). I'm concerned that a gust of
wind could blow it shut when it's in the open position, breaking or
damaging the canopy.

Our club operates from an airfield that regularly experiences fresh to
strong winds.

Club policy is to stage gliders with side hinged canopies at the flight
line such that the prevailing wind will blow the canopy open. Ie these
gliders are staged on the side of the runway either nose facing the
runway, or tail facing the runway, depending on the direction of the
prevailing wind (which goes with the end we are launching from). This is
so that they don't slam shut, damaging equipment and people, when the
pilots are climbing in or out.

The rest of the time canopies must be closed and locked. Even when the
wind is not blowing.

Ian

I bought a canopy cover from
http://www.wingsandwheels.com/page38.htm
The Platinum cover has a version for side lifting canopies. It fits my
Discus2c.


At 15:10 10 September 2008, John Galloway wrote:
At 01:07 10 September 2008, V1 wrote:
Thanks to everyone who provided suggestions. I'm seeing that it's
even more critical to close AND lock than I had considered - a great
tip from Richard (the voice of expensive experience).

- Frank

If your Ventus has a lifting panel then raise the panel every time you
open the canopy. You might get some minor damage to your instrument
cowling (or, in my case, lose the PDA) but it should save the canopy.

John Galloway