REFLECTOR: Reflector Digest, Vol 26, Issue 33 re Door opening in flight

Mon Jul 10 15:55:24 CDT 2006

Andy:
The buyer of my SERG forgot to latch the copilot side door prior to takeoff
from Santa Barbara at night. The door departed the aircraft mid takeoff and
destroyed the prop, necessitating a forced landing and heavy damage. I would
strongly recommend against opening a door on an Elite in flight.

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Sent: Monday, July 10, 2006 1:01 PM
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Subject: Reflector Digest, Vol 26, Issue 33

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Today's Topics:

   1. Re:  Making a list and checking twice (Andy Millin)
   2.  Deltahawk (Andy Millin)
   3. Re:  Deltahawk (J.P. Brooks)
   4. Re:  Making a list and checking twice (Al Gietzen)

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Message: 1
Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2006 09:32:55 -0400
From: "Andy Millin" <amillin at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Making a list and checking twice
To: "'Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list'"
	<reflector at tvbf.org>
Message-ID: <003f01c6a425$5a41e150$6387a8c0 at KAZOOSOFT.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="US-ASCII"

Hi Juanita,

I don't know if anyone has actually tried to kick out a locked Velocity
door.  The construction of the doors and door frame leads me to believe it
would be difficult at best and possibly impossible.

Cirrus doors are constructed in much the same way as ours.  The
Plexiglas/Lexan is blended right into the door.  They include a small hammer
in the cockpit as standard equipment.  It is intended specifically to break
out the window in an emergency.  I believe their procedure is to keep the
doors locked until all the parts stop moving.

>From accident reports, it seems climbing through the plexi shards can be as
much of a hazard as the crash.  Cuts and bruises aside, pilots have
extricated themselves from their aircraft with the hammer.

I doubt you could kick out the windshield.  The seat backs would probably
fail first.

This item has been on my emergency checklist for the Pipers and Cessnas I
rent.  With the forward hinged door there really isn't a penalty for opening
the door in flight.  If I were to open an elite door, I would try unlatch it
and hold it in the closed position.  I have spent some time pondering the
wisdom of opening an elite door purposefully in flight.  I know the plane
can be flown with the door open but it is NOT recommended.  I am sure this
is another very good reason to take training at Sebastian.

The idea of adding this to the mix as I was about to land in inhospitable
terrain gives one pause.  Better to think about it now then try to reason it
out in the middle of an emergency.

The way Sid Knox has been coming up with cool solutions for us, I figure
I'll wait for his exploding bolts.  :)

Best,

Andy 

________________________________

From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org] On
Behalf Of Juanita Londenberg
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2006 8:19 AM
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Subject: REFLECTOR: Making a list and checking twice

 "Open door prior to impact" to the emergency check list?  

I know the safety of the fuselage as a whole is better w/doors locked --
Does anyone know how easy it is to kick out a window?

Juanita Londenberg
N4PE

------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2006 11:04:46 -0400
From: "Andy Millin" <amillin at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: REFLECTOR: Deltahawk
To: "'Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list'"
	<reflector at tvbf.org>
Message-ID: <005501c6a432$2f7a92c0$6387a8c0 at KAZOOSOFT.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="US-ASCII"

Hey JP,

It's been a while since anything has been posted on the Deltahawk.  Can you
give an update?  Will we see it fly at OSH this year?

Andy

------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2006 08:22:11 -0700
From: "J.P. Brooks" <jp211 at comcast.net>
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Deltahawk
To: amillin at sbcglobal.net,	Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
	<reflector at tvbf.org>
Message-ID: <6.2.5.6.0.20060710081530.021e1550 at comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

Sorry to say, I've been sworn to secrecy, but the Company will be 
making some news announcement in the next few months.
Let's just say we are very happy with the engine and the refinements 
the engineers have made.  If Diane is reading this we do need to 
update our web site.
We will be at OSH.  I'm told I am supposed to fly 211JP in.  But it 
will be a minimal crew there since we are so lean we need all the 
engineers in Racine to sustain the ongoing testing.
No, not trying to be cryptic...  just want the "official" word to 
come from Dennis Webb, out Project Manager and quite a capable
person/engineer.

If you see N211JP on the sales block then you can assume we have not 
done something well.  I will post her here first for all your 
benefits and then I will make my posterior available for "a whoopin'" 
by each and everyone of you.  "Thank you Sir, may I have another".

Hope to see you at OSH.
JP

At 08:04 AM 7/10/2006, you wrote:
>Hey JP,
>
>It's been a while since anything has been posted on the Deltahawk.  Can you
>give an update?  Will we see it fly at OSH this year?
>
>Andy
>
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------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2006 09:24:32 -0700
From: "Al Gietzen" <ALVentures at cox.net>
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Making a list and checking twice
To: "'Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list'"
	<reflector at tvbf.org>
Message-ID: <000001c6a43d$5352bf50$6400a8c0 at BigAl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

There was discussion of a non-sparking tool a few years ago.  I found this
in my archives, from "Jim" - who may be Jim Agnew.  Unfortunately it is
incomplete with no web address - maybe Jim can help us.

The tool is made of hardened aluminum ( NON-SPARKING )
about 1/2" thick and 12" long, it can be used to lift, pry, chop, hole,
and it is slotted so you can twist things with it. The bottom is a
water shutoff wrench that you can saw off the jaws and save some
weight. You surly don't want to use a steel axe when you have AV gas
leaking. 

I couldn't find where I purchased it, however, I located the company and
spoke to Don Culotta () the designer and a
firefighter. He informed me that he had a web page 
 and you can purchase the tool direct for $14.95
plus shipping. The web page will give you all of the information and
how to order.

 Jim

FWIW;

A;

-----Original Message-----
From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org] On
Behalf Of Juanita Londenberg
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2006 4:19 AM
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Subject: REFLECTOR: Making a list and checking twice

 "Open door prior to impact" to the emergency check list?  

I know the safety of the fuselage as a whole is better w/doors locked --
Does anyone know how easy it is to kick out a window?

Juanita Londenberg

N4PE

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End of Reflector Digest, Vol 26, Issue 33
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