How to Choose the Correct Flasher Shape for Your Canopy
The Glider Canopy Flasher is manufactured in four different shapes to suit the different canopy profiles found on gliders.
Before ordering, use the printable fitting templates to identify which version matches the inside surface of your canopy most closely.
1. Download and Print the Template PDF
Download the canopy-shape template PDF and print it at its original size.
The document must be printed at 100% scale. Do not select any option that enlarges, reduces or automatically fits the document to the printable area.
Windows
Select:
- Actual size; or
- Scale: 100%.
Do not select:
- Fit;
- Fit to page;
- Shrink oversized pages;
- Scale to fit.
macOS
Select:
- Scale: 100%.
Do not select:
- Scale to Fit.
Use the paper size specified in the PDF.
2. Check the Printed Dimensions
The PDF includes reference dimensions that allow you to confirm that it has been printed correctly.
Measure the marked reference lines using an accurate ruler. The measured dimensions must exactly match the dimensions printed on the page.
Do not use the templates if these measurements are incorrect. Check the printer settings and print the PDF again at 100% scale.
Even a small amount of automatic scaling may result in the wrong Glider Canopy Flasher shape being selected.
3. Mount the Printout on Card
Glue the printed sheet onto a piece of thin cardboard or stiff card.
The card should be firm enough to retain the template shape, but not so thick that it becomes difficult to cut accurately with scissors.
Allow the adhesive to dry before cutting out the templates.
4. Cut Out the Four Shapes
Carefully cut around the outline of each template.
Follow the printed line as accurately as possible, particularly along the curved top edge that will be compared with the canopy.
Do not leave excess card outside the printed outline, as this may make the template appear to fit differently from the actual enclosure.
5. Compare Each Template with the Canopy
Place each cut-out template against the inside surface of the canopy at the intended installation position.
The two side edges of the template must sit correctly and evenly against the canopy.
The correct template should:
- touch the canopy properly at both side edges;
- sit centrally and symmetrically;
- remain stable without rocking;
- require no force to hold it in position;
- follow the canopy profile as closely as possible.
The important comparison is along the curved top edge of the template.
6. Where a Small Gap Is Acceptable
A small gap is acceptable only at the top or centre of the template, where the canopy is slightly more curved than the selected template.
The gap must be measured vertically from the canopy surface down to the top edge of the template.
A maximum vertical top gap of approximately 0.5 mm is acceptable because it can be accommodated by the 1.1 mm VHB mounting tape.
The two side edges must still touch the canopy correctly.
Do not accept a template if:
- there is a gap at either side edge;
- only the centre touches the canopy;
- one side touches while the other side remains raised;
- the template rocks from side to side;
- force is required to make both side edges touch.
These conditions indicate that a different shape is required.
7. Select the Matching Version
Each template is marked with its corresponding Glider Canopy Flasher shape or version.
When ordering, select the version matching the template that:
- sits correctly against the canopy at both side edges;
- has no top gap, or only a small vertical top gap of no more than approximately 0.5 mm;
- remains stable without rocking or requiring force.
Check the template marking carefully before completing the order.
8. If None of the Four Shapes Fits
Some canopy profiles may not match any of the four standard versions.
Choose the template that comes closest and place it against the canopy with both side edges positioned correctly.
Measure the maximum vertical gap between the canopy surface and the top edge of the template.
Please email us with:
- the aircraft make and model;
- the number or name of the closest template;
- the measured maximum top gap in millimetres;
- a clear photograph of the template held against the canopy;
- any other information showing where the shapes differ.
We will produce a custom Glider Canopy Flasher enclosure shaped to fit your canopy.
A custom enclosure will normally require approximately 7–10 working days to produce.