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I'm not a stickler for regulations, but don't you always carry the POH on board? It's my resource if I get into an emergency situation. Wouldn't even go aroud the pattern without it.
Speaking of emergencies, I had a mini one yesterday. Door popped open in flight. Completely open. I have the '73 with the air-stair doors, and the upper part popped open all the way up. I was returning from the Bahamas alone, already over land, about 5 miles from (and already talking to) the airport. Aside from being startled, had only minor effect on drag and airplane dynamics. Landed without incident or undue efforts -- just a lot of noise. And, as in so many instances, it was my fault, pilot error: I had failed to lock the door.
Folks, vibration will open your door. Make sure you push the lock button down.
Incidentally, one hour earlier, on the outbound flight, had 3 more adults and two toddlers in the flight. None would have been sucked out the window, but I would have had some very scared passengers, especially if it had happened over water.
Ernie
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