"Kyler Laird" wrote in message
I've not had the door pop open when I've been flying
alone. It'd be interesting.


Not having someone to hold it steady would leave it to flop freely.
The flopping seems to be what causes the plane to waggle. (I'm
tempted to try it in a controlled situation with someone other than
my wife sitting by the door.)


Kyler,

I have had the door pop open on me in an Apache, which is the same basic
fuselage as the Aztec. The door will open about six inches or so measured
at the back edge. It does NOT flop around. In fact, I had a heck of a time
getting it to move either in or out by pushing and pulling on it.

They say you can get the door shut in the air when solo if you first open
the window on the pilots side to relieve the interior air pressure. All I
know is I tried everything I could think of in that darn Apache. I slipped
it, I stalled it, I opened the window, I closed the window, I went as fast
as I could ... nothing worked and I couldn't get the door to close enough
to reengage the door latch. I finally just flew to an airport and landed.
Latched the door. Took off and flew on home.

Without charts, because they had gone out the darn door when it first
opened! They were laying on the right seat. :-)

Highflyer
Highflight Aviation Services
Pinckneyville Airport ( PJY )