Canopy Release – RV-14 Build

On Friday last week I started the remote canopy release modification, and I wrapped it up last night.

The original canopy release mechanism has a handle in the middle of the panel, towards the top. The handle is one end of a steel rod, and the other end is connected to a lever that sits behind the sun-panel. That lever drives a simple mechanism that extends and retracts the canopy hinge pins.

The downside of this approach is the loss of usable space on the panel. So Vans created a modification to relocate the handle. By using a cable instead of a steel tube, the handle can be placed anywhere. The recommended location is forward of the fuel selector valve, in a recessed area.

The modification was quite straight forward, and over several evening sessions I was able to wrap it up. I’ll have to remove the covers again so I can install the fuselage wiring harness, but that should be an issue.

After cutting the cover, riveting the recessed area, painting, and installing on the cover. This is where the handle will sit

Installing the new bracket. To assist, I rolled the fuselage upside down making access much easier.

Handle with hole drilled for safety wire

The mechanism removed and ready to be modified

The lever is reoriented in this mod. Here I’ve drilled the new holes and reinstalled the lever in it’s new orientation

Mechanism reinstalled with new lever positioning

A close up of the modification needed to allow the action to clear the ribs. I carefully enlarged the holes per the plans, allowing 1/8 clearance between the ribs and the moving parts

Handle painted and installed. Unfortunately the paint is already flaking off, so I will likely replace with some yellow vinyl tape.

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