Panther Sport Aircraft Forums

Thanks Tony!

Jim.....I don't want a lock go keep the bad guys out. If someone wants your stuff, they WILL get it, one way or another. I totally agree with you on that.

I want something to "lightly" secure the cockpit for SAFETY reasons at airshows/fly in's. I am trying to prevent a child or Lookie Loo from pushing buttons and inadvertently starting my engine.

My airplanes are insured and reside in a very secure hangar. Theft is of no concern for me. SAFETY is.

My C 170 has been outside unlocked since Fall 1999 and about 2 years ago I lost a reflective bubble wrap style dash guard. I don't lock my house or shop either ...never had a theft yet...but then most everyone is armed in Idaho. Eco terrorists do cause some damage to the logging industry once in awhile.

Locks are for honest folks!

My RV-4 had a keyed lock that should work on the Panther. Sorry, no photos.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/e ... ey=3072144

https://www.mcmaster.com/#shaft-clamps/=168kl88

The shaft clamp goes on the canopy pushrod. The lock is positioned so the arm on the back side of the lock swings down and blocks the clamp.

I agree with Jim!

Tony

Which would you prefer:
A) Someone opens your unlocked door, and steals stuff from your airplane (including avionics).
B) Someone opens your "locked" door by using a crowbar, in the process damaging both the canopy and the fuselage side.

Of course, in both cases, you can file an insurance claim (you ARE planning to be insured, right?), but in scenario B) your plane has suffered structural damage, so you're back to the "build" phase with your project, whereas with scenario A) you might or might not have structural work to do...

After I saw what a thief with a crowbar did to a Rockwell Commander 114 to steal a Garmin 430, I opted to never lock mine again. The insurance company totaled the aircraft... He got paid for it, but had to start looking for a replacement.

Hey Everyone!

I was thinking about cockpit security tonight. Has anyone come up with a clean locking mechanism for their canopy? If so, care to share some photos?

Thanks!