Tilt vs Sliding canopy

[AntonKruse]

Hi folks

I too hope to start building my 7A in the next few years.
Only problem is i haven't been able to decide between the 2 canopy options...
On the one hand I know the vis is so much better on the tilt-up, but on the other hand I do prefer the look of the slider.
The thing that worries me most about the tilt-up is that it would seem (to me anyway) that your instruments and avionics are at a far greater risk should a leak develop where the canopy hinges.
Is this a valid concern or am I just being paranoid? Is there a channel at the hinge that the water can follow once entering the groove/join or do you just have to be extra careful each time you open the canopy...?

[StuartA]

That's one of the old "religious" conundrums (like iPhone vs Blackberry) to which there is no answer.

Have a look at http://www.vansairforce.com/community/s ... hp?t=50903

and while you are about it http://www.vansairforce.com/community/f ... ysprune=-1

and http://www.vansairforce.com/community/f ... ysprune=-1

(I have got an RV-7 with slider and very happy with it)

Cheers

[wingnutzster]

hahah, the 'Sliders' are the only folk who will tell you there is little difference - anyone who looks at it objectively or has owned a tip-up or tilting canopy -especially on the RV's will tell you with out a doubt the tip up is better. Off the top of my head I can list a bunch of advantages over the slider -
* Fantastic (almost 360deg) field of view and all round visibility - the tip-up has a real fighter feel about it from inside - and from the outside! Since the forward canopy frame and windshield upright are missing the view is completely unobstructed.
* Easier to install - although some dispute this. I am finding the tip-up installation to be a pretty straightforward affair
* Greater access to the otherwise covered up and hidden areas of your airplane for servicing, maintenance and construction.
* Besides being on your back, easier to open or remove a tip up as opposed to a slider or sideways hinging canopy in an emergency..

Just some of the points I can think of, there are many more but as I said, those who went with slider option will swear it is the way to go - not all of them though and I have heard it depends on the individual's needs and specific requirements, but i can't imagine a scenario where the obstructed, complicated, often malfunctioning slider contraption will beat the brilliant tip-up.

So much so that I am looking into a tip-up mod to the RV-3.

[AntonKruse]

I'm still keen to understand how well the hinge system seals.
I'll be at FAKT next weekend. Hopefully I can get a good look at both options there.

[wingnutzster]

Just go with the tip-up man!

- sorry couldn't help myself - serious from now on!

[ibeaton]

Hehe,

Like the analogy.

We chose the tip up based upon uninterupted view and ease of access to instrumentation.

It is also the way Vans designed it. just like the tail dragger, it does not need the peduncle hanging on the front.

Ian

[TC]

Wingnutzer you BEAUT!!!!

Tip up, tip up or tip up.

[AntonKruse]

thanks for all the input guys. tip-up it is going to be!

[flymonkey]

Just a thought

If you live in a windy zone you got to be careful with the Tip Up cos it's like a spinnaker and it might just take off

[AntonKruse]

Yes, I read that too.
Don't the RVs come with a parking break?
I suppose u could just park into the wind too tho, right?

[heisan]

Just as a matter of interest. ... I see a number of older aircraft with slider canopies can open the canopy in flight - is this true for the RV range too?

[Vliegskaap]

Just as a matter of interest. ... I see a number of older aircraft with slider canopies can open the canopy in flight - is this true for the RV range too?

Not an expert on the topic, but I remember reading somewhere that opening a RV slider canopy in flight might cause it to get ripped off, possibly also taking your vert stab with it.
At least it wont be warm in the cockpit anymore...

[crazeeflya]

As a matterof interest, how involved would a conversion from slider to tip-up be?....(assuming the screen is cracked and requires replacing anyway)

[heisan]

Just as a matter of interest. ... I see a number of older aircraft with slider canopies can open the canopy in flight - is this true for the RV range too?

Not an expert on the topic, but I remember reading somewhere that opening a RV slider canopy in flight might cause it to get ripped off, possibly also taking your vert stab with it.
At least it wont be warm in the cockpit anymore...

Well, there goes the only advantage I could think of for a slider .

[sweptwing]

The slider canopy is fantastic to have open with engine running and taxiing around on most days under the african sun! I won't be able to make it with the canopy closed. It just gets to hot in there for me without the fresh air streaming in that you otherwise have in flight.