Eric Greenwell wrote in message ...

On my ASH 26 E, the gas spring and the weight of the canopy supply a
noticeable closing force when the canopy is held open a few inches. I
think this would be plenty to engage a simple latch that would keep the
canopy from opening in flight. By "opening", I mean it might allow the
rear edge of the canopy to rise an inch or two, but no more. The usual
latches would still be used to secure it closed.


I suppose there is a first time for everything and at Parowan I manged
to launch with my P tube trapped under the instrument panel of my
ASW-28. Didn't notice the problem until well out on course so my
options were don't pee, or open the canopy to free it.

I very carefully held the canopy frame on one side and released the
latch on that side. Nothing happened. I then repeated the procedure
on the other side holding on even more strongly. Again nothing
happened. I was very surprised that I had to strongly push up on the
canopy to get it to open the half inch I need to free the P tube. I
was trimmed for about 60kts I think. It may behave differently at
different speeds.


Andy