Tip Up v.s. Slider Canopy

This decision is a tough one that all builders must make.  Luckily, like the landing gear configuration, I don't have to make this decision until I order the fuselage.  I am currently leaning towards:  Tip Up !

Reasons being:

• Ease of Construction
• Visibility
• Visibility
• Ease of access to Panel

Potential Drawbacks:

• Less Taxi Ventilation
• Some think less sexy look.

It seems to be pretty evenly distributed between what builders decide to go with.  I may change my mind, but really think that the visibility is worth it when you are flying.  On the ground, you can still open the tip up while taxiing, and I still think it looks good tipped up when the plane is sitting there.   The only think I won't get is being able to hang my arm out the window when taxiing.   Well, I think we are going to get Bekah a convertible car here pretty soon, so I can get all my hand hanging out done on the road.  Then I won't feel the need to hang it out of the airplane.  ;-)

The tip up is designed so that the back of the panel becomes completely exposed when it is up.  Providing great access to work on instruments...  I could build a modular panel to make it easier to work on the panel of a slider, but still more work and even such isn't as easy as the tip up.

Now I have only flown in a Tip Up RV.  The visibility was unbelievable, it felt like you were sitting on top of the engine and nothing else was there.   I would like to fly in a slider to gauge the difference that the front roll bar and post make, but I am thinking it will definitely distract at first.  I  am sure you get used to it and never see it, but still uninterrupted visibility sounds pretty good to me.

The only thing I want to look further into is how builders seal the front edge of the tip up, I understand if not careful, water can get in.  I live in Seattle and will be flying in the rain, need to avoid water entry as much as possible.

All in All, for now, Tip Up it is.

Tip up Pic:

Slider Pic: