Flight (on purpose) with no rear door

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neema
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Flight (on purpose) with no rear door

Post by neema »

Anyone know if this is feasible in a 40/42 shaped fuselage? Main reason is for air to air photography with friends.

If it's not permitted under normal ops, is there a way to get approval? Easy to find information on people doing doors removed on helicopters or Bonanzas, but nothing on Diamonds.

I've tried shooting through the storm window, but the 42's engines are smack dab in the way.
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Steve
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Re: Flight (on purpose) with no rear door

Post by Steve »

I wouldn't do it. There have been a number of DA40s which have lost rear doors in flight and flown back to uneventful landings, but the airframe was not tested in that configuration for FAA certification, so it would be a no-go with the FAA.

You may want to rent a DA40, since you have an unobstructed view ahead, laterally, and down through the vent windows.
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Colin
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Re: Flight (on purpose) with no rear door

Post by Colin »

I would talk to one of the photographers who uses a Bonanza. How are they getting that approval? Is it in the POH to fly with the door off?

Since DA40s have flown the pattern (sometimes further) without the door, they are obviously stable without it. What does that factory say about flying without it?
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Karl
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Re: Flight (on purpose) with no rear door

Post by Karl »

I doubt it would be approved by anyone. These types of designs generate lift from the shape of the fuselage.

Removing the door would generate a lot of drag/turbulence in front of the tailplane.

It also generates a lot of wind and turbulence in the cockpit/cabin so doubt it would be much use for photography anyway.
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Karl
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Re: Flight (on purpose) with no rear door

Post by Karl »

If you want to do this a lot how about purchasing a passenger door second hand and fitting a DV panel in it? Then you can swap the doors as required.
I think that would be easier to certify. Fitting a DV panel (minor mod) may even be possible by your local mechanic.
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Re: Flight (on purpose) with no rear door

Post by Boatguy »

My wife routinely opens the little window on the canopy to stick her camera out and take pictures. I realize this doesn't work on the DA42, but as Karl suggests, a custom made opening in the passenger door might be feasible.
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neema
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Re: Flight (on purpose) with no rear door

Post by neema »

Colin, the 36 Bonanza family TCDS calls out for ops permitted with the aft/cargo door removed. Chris 2 limitations show placards for adhering to speed requirements... stuff like that.

It's probably much more involved to do the same on a 40/42 fuselage, but figured I'd run it by the forum here in case anyone has at least gone down the road.
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