On 14 Jan 2005 13:27:11 -0800, "steve.t"
wrote in .com::

I also fly a PA28 (180C). During pre-departure checklist at night my
wife (sitting in the right seat, and not a pilot) reached up to set the
upper door latch as I got to that part of the checklist. I thought she
had latched it for me.

I usually give the door a firm shove when that checklist item comes
up. But this time it was warm, and I wanted to wait until cleared to
take the runway before latching the door.

[...]

I think I want to try this slow flight, at altitude, and see if by
slipping I can get that door shut and latched bottom and top.

My experience revealed that kicking in a bunch of rudder had no effect
on getting the door to latch. Of course, that may have been due to
the cabin vents being open. It would be interesting to know the
results of your tests.

And would you suggest using full flaps at that point?

Well, you can fly slower with flaps deployed, and they may add a bit
of stability while mushing along.

Also, I have several speed mods on this plane, so its actual stall
speed is about 10 MPH less than the stall light is set to come on.

The reduced stall speed with the indicator still set for the pre-mod
stall speed probably causes you to ignore it most times. I wonder
what the FAA and speed-mod manufacturers recommend?