Hi Chris,

Our club has lost about 5 Puch canopies over the last 20 years, typically in side slip and spin recovery.

First action, there is a standard for the force of pull required to open the canopy lever. It should be in the Puch maintenance manual and IIRC, it is around 12 kg. We bought a fish scale and use that to test the required opening pull .

Second action, when doing slips and spins I, as the instructor, ALWAYS hold the lever closed.

Third action, there is a mod that was approved by the BGA to add a spring to the rear canopy latch handle to help it stay closed.

If you have not already, contact Jerzy at Windpath.ca. He should have details of the pull force and spring mod.