wolfriverjoe 1,523 #26 March 1, 2015 airtwardo Hi Mike ~ I may be using the wrong term then... I have several jumps out of a friends Sundowner that has a devise that looks like a small tab on the top outside of the right door. It's spring loaded and situated in a manner that allows the wind across the fuselage to push it rearward, engaging a recessed hook in the door frame to a bar on the door. The thin blade of an swiss army knife works well to slide the hook forward out of position allowing the egress handle to open the door. Sundowners had a problem with the door opening unexpectedly in flight...there were a couple of ways to address that - maybe the devise on his isn't factory installed or fleet wide. I sent him an inquire email for the specifics...but it's definitely there. I'm not doubting that you've seen it or that it's there, but it's not in all of them. I've got a bunch of hours in a couple different Sundowners (C-23) and a Sport (B-19), which is a 2 seat, lower powered version. They're all descendants of the "Muskrat" (Musketeer). None of them had any sort of lock like you are describing. When I was instructing (and when I was a student), "popping the door" on takeoff was a standard exercise. Either abort the takeoff, or go around the pattern once. The door pops open a couple of inches and it gets loud and a little windy but that's all."There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
