Citabria Window latch conversion

Flyingj said:
Has anyone converted their left window that only opens a few inches, to the type that opens all the way up and latches to the underside of the wing? I don't know which models do this but my newly acquired '99 7GCAA doesn't open all the way up. According to ACA, there is a kit that will convert it to do so. Curious why there are two styles and if any of you might have knowledge of which is better.

I'm in Texas and it just seems that the additional airflow would be worth it in the summertime but would like to hear from actual experiences.
Click to expand...


I just remove one of the screws from the retaining strap. Caution is advised when unlatching it in flight because the airflow will slam it against the bottom of the wing. Just hang on to the latch and ease the window up. No latch is necessary on the wing because the window will stay up against the wing at flying speed but will lower itself gently during the stall when landing. I haven't tried any aerobatics or extreme maneuvers with it open and restrict speed to around 90MPH. It's great for air-air photography especially if a competent pilot can fly from the back with the photographer in the front seat. (Briefing and coordinating an air-air photo flight is critical and another subject.)
 
Thanks for all the replies folks. American Champion told me they sell the parts to do this conversion, which includes the latch and a required 3rd hinge for the window for $80. I was advised to check the wing area where the latch would be attached to see if there is a backing structure of some type behind the fabric. Chad said some have it, some don't.

I also found in my operating manual (or operating limitations) a sentence that reads: "Do not open forward left side window above 130 mph, or above 90 mph if the window is full opening."

I purchased the STC for the door removal in flight, that may give me enough air next summer. :)
 
I’m interested in the ability to open my window in flight. Even just a few inches would be great. I’m not sure my current setup is factory, or just came from a parts bin somewhere. The window opens about half way but is really floppy and seems pretty unsafe to open in flight. Anyone recognize this hinge thing? Looks like it would work great if it were about half as long. I’d really like to be able to open the window, even if only a couple inches.
B4C04C5A-F3E1-47EE-93A3-A459591F0037.webp
 
ehaecker said:
I’m interested in the ability to open my window in flight. Even just a few inches would be great. I’m not sure my current setup is factory, or just came from a parts bin somewhere. The window opens about half way but is really floppy and seems pretty unsafe to open in flight. Anyone recognize this hinge thing? Looks like it would work great if it were about half as long. I’d really like to be able to open the window, even if only a couple inches.
View attachment 5222
Click to expand...
Mine is similar but maybe a little smaller and lower on the window frame.

10B4764C-07EE-43AD-8036-5A86CBB3FDB7.webp
 
ehaecker said:
I’m interested in the ability to open my window in flight. Even just a few inches would be great. I’m not sure my current setup is factory, or just came from a parts bin somewhere. The window opens about half way but is really floppy and seems pretty unsafe to open in flight. Anyone recognize this hinge thing? Looks like it would work great if it were about half as long. I’d really like to be able to open the window, even if only a couple inches.
Click to expand...

That's factory. Mine has same. Placarded to open below 130. I have never opened in flight, but plenty of people have, and I have never heard of anyone losing a window.

EDIT: I may have spoke too soon. Mine is identical to FlyingJ' photo.
 
On my flight through Nevada and Idaho last week I had my left window open twice unexpectedly in flight. The bracket holds it up against the wing solidly. The 1976 version of the fully opening left side only has one latch. Not that difficult to get it closed. Luckily the hinges are strong. I must have nudged the latch?
 
Sorry to dredge up an old thread, but it’s to refer to a photo above. See post #29, and note the window latch just above the throttle lever. This ‘72 Citabria has a fully-opening window on both sides ( as well as a RH quick-release half-door). The latches look like that in the photo, and I’m confident they were an automotive part at the time. They’re very worn and badly need replacing. But, of all the latches I’ve seen, whether original or reproductions, none look like this configuration. Does anyone know of replacements?
 
darrell whitley said:
I have the window that opens a few inches. It has a 130mph speed limit.. What’s the limit with the window open??? I’ve heard the speed limit was due to the skylight blowing out.
Click to expand...

I remember when I did my Robinson factory helicopter training they had a 100kt limit (115mph), we were told the limit was simply because much faster than that and you could really hurt your arm if you put it outside
 
I am uneasy about flying with mine open and full power. I do open it on final approach, and get a little more elbow room. The corkscrew breeze is real, and can put real pressure on a window with a single little folding arm holding it open.

I did not believe the corkscrew - thought it was just some textbook thing - but was in a Cub with double doors open, and the cross-breeze tried to yank my headset off. Another occasion - the Super Cub window on the left side is held in with sheet metal screws. One day, on takeoff, I found the entire assembly in my lap! Now I believe in the corkscrew effect.
 
So has anyone done this mod? Anyone get instructions from ACA or more pictures of how the two brackets mount? Thanks!
 
Yes, the "corkscrew effect" on the window is real...and strong

I've removed the little arm and opened the window in flight several times for photography. You have to hold onto the window latch firmly while opening or it will slam up against the bottom of the wing. At cruise the window rides firmly up against the wing but will lower itself gently during the flare for landing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top