'Closed and Locked'

Along with our theme from last week we can look at many accidents attributed to not locking the canopy. Flying with an open canopy isn't the problem, it is when you stop flying the glider to deal with the canopy.

Also, You can loosen or crack a canopy fast. We lost one canopy to a winter jacket that snagged on a rail as someone reached inside to touch the stick.

Nothing makes me cringe more then watching a pilot lift on canopy rails. Out at the field you see it all the time. Someone reaching inside and lifting on a canopy rail. W&W ships more lower canopy rails than top ones for just this reason.

The crack seen here was caused by one student not paying attention as he closed the canopy and it slammed shut.

 Garret Willat holds a flight instructor rating with over 8000 hours in sailplanes. His parents have owned Sky Sailing Inc. since 1979. He started instructing the day after his 18th birthday. Since then, Garret has represented the US Junior team in 2003 and 2005. He graduated from Embry-Riddle with a bachelor's degree in Professional Aeronautics. Garret represented the US Open Class team in 2008 and 2010 and the Club Class team in 2014. Garret has won 3 US National Championships.