REFLECTOR: door latch

[Chuck Jensen]

On my emergency checklist, I have the activities sequenced....first try to close the door, then proceed to give oneself a well deserved fist pounding.  I've not actually taken off with the door unlatched, but at least once, it wasn't securely latched and the light was still on....so you're not a Lone Ranger.  Sometimes we amaze ourselves that we've gotten as old as we are without doing ourselves in.
 
Chuck Jensen 

-----Original Message-----
From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org]On Behalf Of Rene Dugas
Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2009 6:50 PM
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: door latch


Chuck 
I have the same but still was distracted by departure antics of another plane and forgot to latch the pilot door. As I rotated at 80 the door started levatating RAPIDly. It openned about a foot at the lower edge.  I was luck enough to grab it and pull as I dropped the nose of the plane  about 10 Ft off the runway.  It closed and latched nicely after which I beat my head severely with my fist for MY departure antics.  Yes my LED was on I just blew it. 
Rene 


Rene' Dugas
Sent from my iPhone 3G

On Jun 2, 2009, at 12:42 PM, "Chuck Jensen" < cjensen at dts9000.com> wrote:



I assumed it was common, but maybe not.  I have a microswitch mounted in the pilot and co-pilot door that is wired to Left and Right warning lights on the panel.  The warning light(s) will be on until the bayonet enters the receiver hole on the door sill which actuates the switch to turn off the light.  
 
A dark panel for alarm/warning lights is the last thing on the checklist before takeoff.
 
Chuck Jensen

-----Original Message-----
From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [ mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org]On Behalf Of Laurence Coen
Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2009 11:36 AM
To: reflector16
Subject: REFLECTOR: door latch


Al,
 
Being somewhat paranoid I made the device in the attached picture. It is just a piece of thin aluminum folded up to make a strap with a top to avoid the sharp edges.  It does two things.  It makes sure that the handle is in the full forward position or you can't latch it and then prevents accidental movement.  I only wish I had sent this email last week.
 
Larry Coen
N136LC

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