Cristina ANGULO

Cristina ANGULO posted in General Aviation

7 years ago Public

In summertime: Check the doors!!!

Dear Pilots,

Some accidents have happened this summer due to open canopies in flight and we would like to remind you, in these very hot days, to double check that the canopies and doors are properly latched and locked before take-off.

It is normal that you open the door or canopy on ground to get a bit of fresh air, especially in towing activities when waiting can lead to very high temperatures inside the cockpit. But remember to close, latch and lock the doors and canopies and double check they are properly closed just before the take-off.

Happy landings!!!

Andreas Winkler
Andreas Winkler • 7 years ago

Thanks Cristina to take it up !

It is an important issue and looking into the accident and incident data, it is common pilot error, often with severe results.
We have different designs of doors and canopies, a canopy with a single lever to close, tolerate no Pilot misstake !

It is important to train properly pilots.
There are only 2 positions for a canopy:
Open or closed and latched, never close a canopy without latching. Do not take hands away from a closed canopy without closing and latching.

We should also have in mind that a canopy will not open in flipped over accident conditions - have a safety-hock on board.

Fly safe.
Andreas

Please log in or sign up to comment.