British Gliding Association Aircraft Inspection
Recommended

Number:
020/10/2001

Issue:
1

Date: 1st October 2001

Subject:

Canopy Latching

Applicability:

SZD 51-1 Junior

Accomplishment: At next C of A inspection or whenever difficulty with canopy latching is reported

Reason:

To prevent possible miss latching of canopy in closed position and loss of canopy after in flight opening

Instructions:

1. Inspect canopy latching tongue to ensure that it enters the slot on the latch plate. 2. Check for evidence of latching above latch plate and under cockpit top edge. 3. If evidence of miss latching is found or optionally carry out the modification at 4. 4. (a) Enlarge cut out above latch plate to take the edge beyond the line of the latch plate face. Maintain min
4mm radius in corners of cut out (b) Fill area between top of latch plate and underside of cockpit edge with suitable filler. Car body filler or micro balloons would be suitable for this non-structural application. (c) Ensure canopy cannot be latched in any other position than in the correct latch plate slot. 5. Enter compliance with inspection and modification carried out (if applicable) in glider log book.

Approved By Jim Hammerton, Chief Technical Officer

Issued by - The British Gliding Association Ltd, Kimberley House, Vaughan Way, Leicester, LE1 4SE, U.K. Note: Mandatory inspections must be recorded in the aircraft log book, unless specified, and certified by an appropriately rated BGA inspector.
Optional inspections should be entered into the D.I. book or log book as appropriate. Optional inspections may be certified by a BGA Pilot. Alternative methods of compliance will be considered providing an equal level of safety is accomplished. Contact BGA for authorisation.