Overview
The Panther Canopy System is designed for excellent visibility, cockpit comfort and safety.
It has the included option of quick release pins on the left side, so the canopy can be pushed completely clear of the aircraft in the event rapid egress is needed (IE parachute).
This feature also makes it very easy to remove the entire canopy system while doing maintenance and inspections. This, combined with removable/folding wing, and easily removable forward upper skin, allow unparalleled access to the cockpit area for inspection, maintenance, modifications and repairs.
Much thought and effort was given to designing a system that was easy to install. While the canopy installation is intimidating, and often frustrating part of the aircraft build, we feel the Panther canopy system install will be much easier than other kit aircraft.
Note: An extra person is very helpful when handling the canopy and skirt.
Note: The grinder will produce little balls of hot plastic, so use appropriate eye, and skin protection when cutting the plastic.
Note: Please note that you must also use screws to attach the bubble to the skirt, in addition to the sealant.
The 3M 5200 specifications note:
5200 is not recommended for the installation of glass, polycarbonate, or acrylic windows that are not also mechanically fastened. Inconsistent adhesion of these un-primed substrates, specific design of the window and movement due to thermal expansion and flexing may cause application failure.
See full manufacturers specs here: 3M 5200 Tech Specs
Installation Overview
The Basic installation is completed in the following steps
1. Fitting the canopy bubble into the skirt
•Preparing the skirt
•Trimming the bubble
2.Preparing the Canopy Skirt
•Prepping the canopy skirt
•Building the fixture for the canopy skirt
3. Fitting the canopy bubble to the canopy skirt
4. Assembling the Canopy frame
•Left side rail and latch
•Right side rail hinge and quick release lever
•Attaching forward bow
5. Attaching the bubble to the skirt
•Optional/recommended - Attaching using adhesive
•Required - Attaching using screws
6. Fitting skirt/bubble to frame.
•Fitting the skirt/ bubble to frame
•Trimming the skirt to fit fuse
•Finishing the install
The most difficult aspect is step 1. SPA offers the option to have the canopy bubble fully trimmed and bonded into the skirt. Please contact SPA for cost and delivery times. Please note - you must still use screws in addition to bonding the canopy frame to the skirt.
Tools Needed
Below is a list of the tools you will need, or that we recommend. We recommend using a second set of hands to help when fitting the canopy into the skirt.
•Drill
•#40 drill bit
•#30 drill bit
•5/32 drill bit
•3/32” (silver) Clecos
•1/8” clecos (if not bonding canopy)
•5/32” clecos (if not bonding canopy)
•Grinder with paper dics or a piece of 80 grit sandpaper
•Angle Grinder with 4” cut off wheel
•Rubbing alcohol
•A bag of clean, soft rags
•Dust masks
•Safety glasses
•¾” Painters tape
•2” painters tape
•Painters paper, brown packing paper or any covering to protect canopy bubble
•Small popsicle sticks
•Latex gloves
•2 x 4s and 1x1s to build frame
•Short ¾” drywall screws
•Medium line sharpie marker
•Adhesive 3M 5200 – caulk gun size - one tube
Notes –
•We recommend bonding the canopy in addition to attaching with screws. Bonding seals the canopy well against the elements and prevents water from getting into the fuselage, however you need to also attach using the screws covered in the instructions.
•Don’t use cheap tape – it won’t stick as good and is simply not worth the money savings.
•Leave the protective plastic sheeting on as much of the canopy as you can, taping the edges down.
•Do not set anything on the frame while working, it is easy to accidently knock it off into the canopy bubble.
•It is a good idea to place something soft under the bubble, just in case it shifts and falls through the skirt to the floor. Or tape something to the top (like packing foam or bubble wrap).
•Rubbing alcohol will safely remove sharpie marks from the canopy bubble and the fiberglass skirt. It will also remove the slow set 5200 if you should accidently (and you will) get it somewhere. HOWEVER!!! Do not get ANY rubbing alcohol on the 5200 that you want to stay there or the surfaces that need to mate as it will prevent it from curing properly!!
