Folks,

As the thread originator, I appreciated and enjoyed all the comments and shared wisdom....thanks!

After reading all the pros/cons I think for my needs and level of experience the right decision is to just leave everything "as is", not get too wrapped up chasing paperwork and doing a rug dance for the Feds but instead spend that time flying instead!

Again, thanks for all the info.

Rob

ps-as to the canopy gas strut replacement, just did that on the ASW-19b I have. We used a 1000 newton strut (Eastern Sailplane's rec., I believe) on one that does NOT have the lift up panel...a 700 nm was on it and it lasted only about 4-5 years.

We cut grooves in each end fitting of the strut, then compressed it and wrapped it several times with safety wire to hold it until we got it installed, then cut the wire.

It sure did feel like I was holding a safety-wired live cobra until I got that thing in place and the bolts and nuts back in! Hope the higher rated strut lasts as long as I fly this thing!