SonexBuilders.net

Seems I remember reading on a builder page that most builders are using the Vans's NACA vent parts?...the SV-1?

Also wondering if someone could pass on the info to help locate it properly...about to cut out side skins and would like to cut the holes for it now...

Jeremy
Plans #410

Unless you really like the look of the NACA vents, I recommend using these rectangular vents from Vans instead.

https://www.vansaircraft.com/cgi-bin/st ... 10vent_kit

When you don't need them they close pretty nice. When you need them, little beats a flap scooping 120+mph wind directly into the cockpit.

I'll second the recommendation for the Vans door vents instead of the NACA vents. They are cheap, super simple to install and very effective. A bonus is that they are pretty close to waterproof when closed. I tie my sonex down outside and have never seen water get in from those vents.

Keith
#554

Guess my only reservation would be can you control where the air blows? Biggest thing I liked about the other vents was the eyeball vents attached to them that could be pointed...hate air blowing in my eyes...etc.
If I went with the simple door type did you still install them in the same place?

Here's where I installed mine:



As with anything that's not spelled out in the plans, I spent a few hours figuring out exactly where to put them, but it probably doesn't matter much. I wanted them to be low enough to not be blowing directly on the back of the panel, close enough to reach without too much trouble (I probably have to loosen a shoulder strap to reach the far one), and far enough to give the air a chance to circulate somewhat.

With these doors, you can't really control where the air blows, but you probably don't have to worry about air blowing directly in your eyes :-)

I feel like people with the NACA vents and tubing and eyeball vents end up restricting the airflow to the point that they need to add scoops or windshield vents. I haven't flown in the mid-upper 90s yet, but one vent has always been enough to keep me comfortable.

Thankfully there isn't much not spelled out in the plans...