Having "been there, done that", I can vouch that when the door departs the
aircraft it does not significantly affect the flight characteristics. Just
scares the daylights out of you. I know of one famous Europa pilot who
shall go unnamed, who flew a couple of hundred miles after his door
departed.
Garry Stout
----- Original Message -----
From: "Fergus Kyle" <VE3LVO@rac.ca>
Subject: Re: Europa-List: Did you lock the door today ?
>
> Sven,
> You may know that yours is not the first door separation in
> flight. I believe it too did no damage in departing. I have substituted SS
> hinges for Alu ones but have not strengthened the structure. It is my
> assumption if my door separates, it will tear out the bolts and I will
> have
> to strengthen structure THEN.
> I may not be right, but it is worth considering whether you
> want
> a clean separation, or whether open attached door will affect flight
> control.
> Like some others, I have opted for microswitch sensing of aft
> locking bolts (as I can see forward ones) and aft pull-in handle. I have
> diagrams of the installation of m/s details, including sliding covers and
> part numbers etc. if you wish.
> Cheers, Ferg
>
>
>
|