Donald asked: > I never saw one up close, but has anyone ever > tried to adapt the Alon canopy to an old 415C?
As no one has answered, I'll take a stab at this. That is a MAJOR change. You would, at a minimum, need an engineering analysis from a Designated Engineering Representative (DER) showing the conversion is safe, probably using the Alon as "approved data." What you would get would be 5-15 mph greater cruise speed and somewhat better climb. What you would lose would be the ability to fly open cockpit above 100 mph (and many owners are afraid to fly their Alons open cockpit at all due to fear that the canopy will blow away). If you have an FAA medical and expect to keep it, I'm inclined to think it'd be better to sell the 415-C and buy an Alon. With the current inflation in 415-C and 415-CD prices due to LSA eligibility, they have achieved market prices similar to Alons. Me, I would not invest that much money into a conversion as I don't feel I'd gain enough to be worth the cost. Ed
