Primarily for general aviation discussion, but other aviation topics are also welcome.
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By VRB_20kt
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1565716
If I have an accident and end up upside down I suspect that opening the canopy may be impossible. It looks to be made of pretty thick plastic and I can imagine that a boot may not break it. What do people carry to cover this eventuality - a pointy hammer or something more specialised?
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By ChampChump
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1565718
In my happily limited experience of such matters, the canopy was only too happy to yield to the stress on the airframe. This wasn't upside down, however.
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By The Other Ian
#1565719
I've got one of those pointy hammer/seatbelt cutters from Halfords in my flight bag. I'm not sure how effective it would be on thick plastic, but it's better than nothing - and at least I'll be able to cut my seatbelt (if I can reach the bag, that is).
By Lefty
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1565731
What you need is a small hammer with a pointy bit on the end. Cirrus fit one as standard on their a/c.

I bought something similar from Walmart tool store in the USA.
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By Rob L
#1565736
Trains (and buses) have emergency hammers with a fine point on them for such an emergency. Like this one. Notice it has a seat-belt cutting knife too:

Image

The important thing is to aim the sharp point at the right place.

This video:


is quite educational on the matter of where to make the break . Albeit it is car-related, and I realise that glass is not too common-place in light aircraft, but it's worth watching for its educational quality. High-speed camera too, so quite interesting to watch!

Many of his other videos are aviation related too.

Rob
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By Dave W
FLYER Club Member  FLYER Club Member
#1565738
Some people on the "Van's Air Force" forum did a test on this a while ago.

I used my cracked canopy to test canopy exit tools

The middle tool was most successful, as mentioned above already.
Image

Others posting on that thread did something similar, and posted a video.
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By ivor.phillips
#1565817
Image


I carry one of these in the Aircraft, it has a saw that will cut perspex after creating a hole with
the hardened point,
never tried it in anger and hope never to do!
By golfcharlie
#1565839
Unfortunately, I speak from experience. Apart from having a suitable tool available (any of those mentioned above will do), the most important thing is to have it readily available and in a location where you can find it automatically blind. Remember, if you happen to be inverted (does happen) a loose article will wander to you not know where, and you will be shocked/disoriented. And the clock is ticking. The first thing to do is to turn off the mags/main switch and the petrol tap. You may need a little time to escape, and time is in very short supply in the event of a fire.
Are you right-handed or left-handed? Keep the escape tool secure near your dominant hand, if possible secured to your person or secure point from which it is quickly released, where it will not encumber anything vital.
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By ivor.phillips
#1565846
What's the thing that looks like an elephant's trunk? Quote,


that's the Plexiglass/laminated glass saw, you make a hole with the hardened point then force the saw through and hopefully have enough time to extricate yourself :D
By SteveX
#1565937
ivor.phillips wrote:Image


I carry one of these in the Aircraft, it has a saw that will cut perspex after creating a hole with
the hardened point,
never tried it in anger and hope never to do!


WTF?? Inverted, hand/arms might be broken, fire smouldering and you think you can saw a hole big enough to climb out of with that toy!!!? Which would take hours I'm thinking.

How about people just jettison the bloody canopy before a forced landing........