Most Sonex builders know that the standard canopy latch arrangement works fine but has a couple of basic flaws – it’s fiddly to use and if you forget to remove the safety clip in an emergency it is not possible for someone outside the cabin to open the canopy to rescue the occupants. Sonex builder Fritz Wagoner came up with a neat arrangement which relied an a handle going “over centre” to lock but I wanted something that was even more foolproof.

This model of the latch assembly comes with all fitting hardware.

Fits: Sonex, Waiex, Xenos legacy models. Can be fitted to Onex but will require a small modification to the hook rail and an additional part.

Mass of assembly – 165 grams (5.8 ounces)

Tools needed: 1/8″ drill, 5/8″ step drill, preferably with one cutting edge such as Irwin, 3/8″ wrench, 19mm or 3/4″ wrench, 3mm hex key, 2.5mm hex key.

Price: A$180 (about US$128 as of 26 Sept 2020)

And here’s a link to a short video showing the operation of the latch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvCBIxyOqBM&feature=youtu.be

And a link to fitting instructions http://www.ansoneng.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Canopy-latch-fitting-instructions-210601.pdf