Chapter 18 Turtleback/CanopyThis is probably the longest chapter in the Cozy Build. It's got a lot of steps and takes a significant amount of time. You are building the curved top of the main fuselage enclosure and it's composed of both a clear canopy and the turtleback. I've broken this work into 3 parts and documented highlights on 3 sub-pages to this page to keep the top level Chapter flow somewhat intact. You can use the links below to get to each of these sub-pages, or navigate the "Chapters" Tab list at the top of any page of this site. Ch 18 Turtleback Construction Ch 18 Canopy Construction Ch 18 Latch, Instrument Panel Cover, Misc Integration Ch 18 Lift and Locking Canopy |
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Side Hinge vs Forward Hinge Canopy:
I chose to build the plans side hinge canopy (SHC). There's a lot of discussion in the group about using the forward hinged (FHC) approach for safety if the pilot does not remember to latch the canopy down, and a number of very good pilots have forgotten or not latched completely their side hinged canopies. It's more complicated, takes longer, and in my opinion is not as easy to get in and out with. I also took seriously, comments about fwd visibility with the FHC when it's partially open, taxiing on the ground. Each owner may choose their own path, and mine was to stick with the plans side hinge. If you are interested in FHC, this is a link to a great resource (Charles' Cozy) for that approach. In fact, it's got lots of great pictures for the TB/Canopy construction even if you stick with SHC. I discovered this near the end of my build, but I'm still happy with the approach I've taken.
I chose to build the plans side hinge canopy (SHC). There's a lot of discussion in the group about using the forward hinged (FHC) approach for safety if the pilot does not remember to latch the canopy down, and a number of very good pilots have forgotten or not latched completely their side hinged canopies. It's more complicated, takes longer, and in my opinion is not as easy to get in and out with. I also took seriously, comments about fwd visibility with the FHC when it's partially open, taxiing on the ground. Each owner may choose their own path, and mine was to stick with the plans side hinge. If you are interested in FHC, this is a link to a great resource (Charles' Cozy) for that approach. In fact, it's got lots of great pictures for the TB/Canopy construction even if you stick with SHC. I discovered this near the end of my build, but I'm still happy with the approach I've taken.