I remember in the hot weather last year, on one occasion I taxied/held
with the canopy slightly open for fresh air (a common enough event, I
suppose). Once cleared for take off, I closed the door quickly and took
off. On the climb out I realised that the rear shoot bolt hadn't
engaged.
I completed one circuit, keeping speed low, landed, stopped, engaged
bolt then took off on the remaining (ample) runway. Naturally I was
concerned that I might lose the door, but it was a non-event.
Moral of story?
1. ALWAYS check ALL four bolts.
2. During build, ensure that the bolts throw adequate distance into
their holes. I recall that there was a mod that came round during my
build to thicken the door frames where the bolts go.
David
G-SHSH (builder but no longer owner)
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