Side-mounted canopy -- Prevent blowing shut?

On 5th September 2008, V1 wrote:-

"I could close it every time I walk away for a minute or two, but
sooner or later I tend to forget and leave
it open".

"I'd like hear from anyone who has come up with a
good solution".

Thanks,

Frank Allen



Sure did find a good solution with the "sooner or later forgetting"
problem Frank! It's called 'being a club member'! If I am flying a club
glider and walk away from the cockpit without closing the canopy I get my
"arse kicked all round the field" by a club instructor!

This technique does wonders for "the memory problem" and ensures that
"the closing while unattended habit" is carried over for when I'm
flying a 'private' glider!

Regards


Tony (aka pilot extraordinaire)

On 5th September 2008, V1 wrote:-

"I could close it every time I walk away for a minute or two, but
sooner or later I tend to forget and leave
it open".

"I'd like hear from anyone who has come up with a
good solution".

Thanks,

Frank Allen



Sure did find a good solution with the "sooner or later forgetting"
problem Frank! It's called 'being a club member'! If I am flying a club
glider and walk away from the cockpit without closing the canopy I get my
"arse kicked all round the field" by a club instructor!

This technique does wonders for "the memory problem" and ensures that
"the closing while unattended habit" is carried over for when I'm
flying a 'private' glider!

Regards


Tony (aka pilot extraordinaire)

On Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:37:40 -0700, V1 wrote:

I have a side-mounted canopy (Ventus 2). I'm concerned that a gust of
wind could blow it shut when it's in the open position, breaking or
damaging the canopy.

Our club operates from an airfield that regularly experiences fresh to
strong winds.

Club policy is to stage gliders with side hinged canopies at the flight
line such that the prevailing wind will blow the canopy open. Ie these
gliders are staged on the side of the runway either nose facing the
runway, or tail facing the runway, depending on the direction of the
prevailing wind (which goes with the end we are launching from). This is
so that they don't slam shut, damaging equipment and people, when the
pilots are climbing in or out.

The rest of the time canopies must be closed and locked. Even when the
wind is not blowing.

Ian