SonexBuilders.net

I am interested in learning everything there is to know about installing fresh air NACA vents for the Sonex cabin. I am quickly approaching this point of the build and have not decided which way to go yet. What works.. what doesn't work.. where did you get your parts.. etc.

Thanks!

To begin answering your question, let me first say that I have yet to fly my Waiex so I can't comment on how much air my vents will provide, but like most I elected to purchase the NACA duct/air vent kit from Vans Aircraft. For (if I remember) less than $100 I got the kit that includes two vents, drawings to cut out the vents, ducting tubing, and the interior monted plastic adjustable vents.

To install these vents, I cut out the side skin using the provided template, and then secured the plastic vents using black RTV and several CCP-44 rivets. If you decide to go this route, make sure you put the vents in a location that doesn't interfere with the brake and flap handles.

Also, while you are ordering the vent kit, a lot of people also order two wing root seals to use as well.

Best of luck as you continue the build! :D

Where did you position your vents? I have heard that the stock location can cause some interference issues with the Vans kit hitting the flap bar, etc.

I don't remember right off hand what the measurements are for my vents, but they are right behind the vertical angle piece that the rudder pedal bar connects to and as high as possible. I put the vents as far forward as possible to make sure there's no problem with the flap and brake handles, and I also wanted to make sure that I couldn't see the vents and/or tubing while sitting in the seats, hence making them right below the upper longeron. I'll try to post a picture in the next day or so.

I bought the Van's NACA inlets, but did not get a template for the sheet metal cutting with them. Does somebody have a template they no longer need that I could have/borrow, or can somebody point me to a link where I could order just the template from Van's (I can't seem to find it on their site)?

Thanks!

If the kit still comes with an instructions packet, look at the back page of those instructions for the basic templates. Is it on there? If not, assuming I can find mine I'd be happy to fax you a copy so you can keep the correct size. Do you have a fax number available?

Anyone have any bad experiance with a fresh air installation that did not produce good results? Anyone brave enough to share so that we can all learn from the experiance?

MichaelFarley56 wrote:If the kit still comes with an instructions packet, look at the back page of those instructions for the basic templates. Is it on there? If not, assuming I can find mine I'd be happy to fax you a copy so you can keep the correct size. Do you have a fax number available?

I got your fax, thanks so much! I definitely did not have those sheets.

I ordered the Vans NACA inlets and and am currently assembling my side panels. I'd like to confirm that the best (least obstruction) location for these vents is as high and as forward as possible (below the upper longeron and behind the rudder pedal angle.)

That's your best bet Ryan. That should clear the brake and flap handle arc so you won't have any interference issues.