Aspire EP Canopy Mods

 

 

Since we routed out all the formers, we need a new and better way to mount the canopy. It would be a complete bummer to see your canopy ejected from your plane at high altitude. I'm sure we have all seen one or two canopies go into the woods! The photos show the old 480 motor and CAM prop, but the concept is identical. Anyway, here is how I did it:
  1. Install the front canopy former on the front of the canopy. I was able to cut the canopy on the embossed cut-lines, but you might not be so lucky. Cut a little at a time. I then added a small piece of light ply to the back of the former and located a good position for a 1/8" piece of brass tubing. A wood dowel would also work well.
  2. Use your best guess and drill a corresponding hole in the F1 former. This will lock it in place at the front.

  3. At the rear of the canopy I used extra canopy material to make small tabs as shown above. I drilled holes in the tabs and located those holes on the fuselage with the canopy on. I back the location of the holes with some small pieces of light ply. I then drilled and tapped the holes with a 6-32 tap to accommodate some small nylon screws. Also note position of RX and Air Alert monitor.

  4. Above is the assembled canopy. I just finger tighten the nylon screws about 2/3 of the way in. Just enough for a positive hold to make for easy finger removal after a flight. Even if the front dowel fails this canopy ain't going anywhere!
  5. Those who are very aesthetically minded will see that the spinner is smaller than the stock unit. You can just paint the exposed wood or cover with an iron-on covering.
  6. That’s all folks! Time to fly!

 

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