What is the maximum airspeed to fly with a damaged or unlocked canopy?

The maximum airspeed to fly with a damaged or unlocked canopy is 150 KIAS. This limit is critical for ensuring safety and structural integrity of the aircraft. An unlocked or damaged canopy can lead to increased aerodynamic forces that can worsen the damage or lead to hazardous situations like an inadvertent opening or loss of the canopy.

Flying at a reduced speed minimizes the pressure differential across the canopy and reduces the risk of it being blown off or causing a loss of control. Safety protocols typically dictate lower operational limits for maneuvers or speeds that could exacerbate any existing damage to aircraft structures. Therefore, maintaining a maximum airspeed of 150 KIAS in this scenario is a vital precautionary measure.