Peter Drake wrote: >> I have made an aluminium canopy based on your original canopy with cranked hinges. How did you go about making closing catches? I can't decide which way to go.<<
I spent a lot of time fretting over that for N56ML also. There are lots of elegant, neat ways to do that, but when I got to the point that latches were the only thing between me and flying, I ordered up some "adjustable draw latches" that are one step above suitcase latches, and installed them with about two hours of effort. The ones I used are shown at http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-draw-latches/=nqb89z , number 1864A23. Note they are "not rated" for load, but I can assure you that two of these stand up to 245 mph speed in N56ML, and the canopy stays shut with only one of them latched up to 120 mph! N891JF has exactly the same setup, and I believe this is the same setup discussed (and maybe shown) in the KR2 plans, but I could be thinking of old Newsletters. It does work, doesn't weigh much, and is adjustable for wear. I still scope out different canopy latch systems at OSH and SNF, for the next plane, I guess, but these cheap and simple latches are hard to beat... Mark Langford, Harvest, AL ML at N56ML.com www.N56ML.com
