Since I recently just completed all of this plumbing, I am not looking forward to ripping it all out and replacing it with new pumps and tubing.. Not sure the risk is worth the reward for where I typically operate.
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2026 RV-12iS Upgrades
- Thread starter rv12is
- Start date
Glad you caught up with him! I was never able to find him at the right time due to their rotations.
I am so glad that I have not completed the radiator part of the build yet due to my radiator being back ordered. Sure hope to be able to integrate these upgrades when I do!
He also explained why they moved the pitot. They have a Monkworkz compact 30A alternator bolted to the back of the gearbox, interfering with the center opening where the pitot had been. That’s also the reason for the right cowling air intake being modified - it has a cooling air hose connected directly to the alternator. Not sure why the extra juice is needed, other than to power the pitot heat. Maybe something else that needs power in the future?
I don’t particularly like the new alternator cooling mods.
The 912 is supposed to be able to get you home if the engine dumps all its coolant or the radiator or water pump fails. (Limp mode)
Not sure how that is possible with the additional alternator cooling.
The 912 is supposed to be able to get you home if the engine dumps all its coolant or the radiator or water pump fails. (Limp mode)
Not sure how that is possible with the additional alternator cooling.
Mounting HW is TBD for the regulator (confirmed).
MechaSteve
Well Known Member
One explanation might be that the generators on the 912 are too likely to fail together.
It’s just two sets of coils on the same stator armature. It makes regulator failures mostly independent, but overheating leading to failure is likely to take out both.
A more modern solution might be to have a combined starter/generator.
Not gonna happen for me. The problem this solves does not apply to huge majority of the flying aircraft.
Agree. Here in TX May thru Sept, all 54 counties here and East get mogas w/RVP of 7.8 or lower, very near the 100LL range of ~5-7.
I’ll have to use 100LL if I’m out XC beyond that anyway.
It looks like Van's website now has updated information for the 2026 SLSA 12iS.
www.vansaircraft.com
Some items I hadn't noticed previously:
RV-12iS SLSA - Van's Aircraft Total Performance RV Kit Planes
www.vansaircraft.com
Some items I hadn't noticed previously:
- "Testing proves that the new RV-12iS installation is free of vapor lock up to 17,000 ft density altitude."
- "alternate air intake for the engine"
- New Van’s-branded premium tubeless wheels and brakes
- Updated side panels with additional small-item storage
Have you experienced any practical limitations from vapor lock with your engines? I feel like the blend change schedule and turnover here makes those risky shoulder seasons negligible...but I know you are operating from a little higher DA than me being down here in the valley.
Bob,
I am confused because your pic showed the exact same part numbers that came with my 912IS kit that was built back in late 2024.
I haven't experienced any issues but for phase 1 I have mostly been using Van's 50:50 avgas:mogas mixture since the PAP has lots of flying at higher altitudes than I would usually use. Doubt it will ever be an issue but if swapping pumps would eliminate it I may go there.
I can't find the dimensions for the new pump ( PN 889731 ) but according to Rotax it is larger than the present one. Probably one of the reasons Vans relocated it.
ref:
www.rotax-owner.com
ref:
Fuel pump assembly usable?
ROTALK is a web based support system which provides a common access point for locating key Information - Education - Support for their Rotax Aircraft Engines such as the Rotax 912, Rotax 914, Rotax 912 iS, Rotax 915 iS, Rotax 503 and Rotax 582.
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Well, no need to call Lockwood. I should have done my own research before ordering anything. The 915is and 912iS use the same fuel-pump assembly. Like I said, hard to find good help these days
. I’ll delete my earlier posts to prevent future viewers from potentially following my misguided advice.Attachments
Looks like you are getting the part numbers mixed up. PN 889731 is a larger pump and will not fit in the existing installation. It also has a different electrical connection. See posts 68 & 69.
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I checked again and you are absolutely right.
I asked Van’s if these options will be brought to the RV-12is kit in addition to the factory built aircraft.
Today I received the response: “I believe there will be announcements soon.”
So hopefully these improvements will be made available to RV-12 builders in due course!
Installing a Matco PVPV-D parking brake is not too hard, I have had one in my RV-12 for 10-years. Basically, you just splice the existing brake lines and add the fittings. I put mine in the tunnel, however I think Van's has a better location for manual operation if the cable ever comes out of the B-nut (yes, that happened with the brakes locked). I went with a locking button T-handle to make sure the valve stays closed once you pressurize the brakes.Excellent new! I want a parking brake!
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Not completely tight.
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unladenswallow
Active Member
I installed a parking brake kit from Airward that uses the Matco PVPV-D valve. I installed it under the avionics shelf leaving enough space between it and the firewall to accommodate the lines from the brake reservoir to the RH pedals. For anyone in the UK, this is now a LAA approved modification.
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Anyone know when the pitot tube relocation kit will be released? I really, really, really like the new location under the wing. The one in the spinner has been problematic for our plane. Maybe it is next after seeing the recent radiator relocation update?
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unladenswallow
Active Member
On the centre console.Where does the actuator end up ?
Asking for A friend...
I'd also like to know... I plan to mod for proper IFR training, and a heated pitot is a must. Also, hello from Austin @Bob Y ! Great to finally meet you Thursday!
Well, no need to call Lockwood. I should have done my own research before ordering anything. The 915is and 912iS use the same fuel-pump assembly. Like I said, hard to find good help these days
Hi Bob... I noticed this morning Edge Performance is offering the Bosch equivalent to the new 915//916 fuel pumps for quite a discount, but sounds like there are fitment/sizing issues vs. what you and Riley installed?
Good news, Van's Fam... Kaitlyn w/Registrations at Van's mentioned we should expect an update on the ...updates... in the next few weeks. No other details, but glad things sound to be moving along at least, and with any luck, perhaps in time for an item or three to make Santa's list!
Just purchased an empennage, wing, and fuselage kit as well as the deposit for the avionics. Finishing and engine soon. Hoping to go relatively quickly on my RV-12iS build and don't want any supply chain suprises.
I'm hoping that the 2026 changes will apply to some of the kits I've purchased as otherwise it's going to be a bit of a pain to track and buy upgrade kits as well as plan for them during the build process.
I'm hoping that the 2026 changes will apply to some of the kits I've purchased as otherwise it's going to be a bit of a pain to track and buy upgrade kits as well as plan for them during the build process.
This is a very simple and easy retrofit. Even easier if you enlist the help of Aircraft Specialty/TS Flightlines
Update on the 2026 models:
For SLSA buyers, you can if are wanting a legal for flight into IMC plane, the rules won't be live until July 2026. So if you pick up your plane before then, you have one year (Aug 2026-Aug 2027) to bring the plane back to the factory and they will sprinkle holy water on it, do a 100hr, any further needed mods, and after you pay a final installment the plane will be IFR into IMC approved. They are estimating they will need the plane for 2 weeks.
We have a late spring delivery plane on order. Unfortunately, it will be based 1800+ miles (one-way, as the crow flies) away from Van's, so that is a long round trip to make to get it IFR into IMC capable!
They finally have pricing for the 2026 trainer configuration. It is $11,000 less than the deluxe, which also has the dual displays. That 11k gives you fancy multicolor paint in the new scheme (rather than single color), wheel pants, and nicer interior side panels. I think that is the only difference.
For SLSA buyers, you can if are wanting a legal for flight into IMC plane, the rules won't be live until July 2026. So if you pick up your plane before then, you have one year (Aug 2026-Aug 2027) to bring the plane back to the factory and they will sprinkle holy water on it, do a 100hr, any further needed mods, and after you pay a final installment the plane will be IFR into IMC approved. They are estimating they will need the plane for 2 weeks.
We have a late spring delivery plane on order. Unfortunately, it will be based 1800+ miles (one-way, as the crow flies) away from Van's, so that is a long round trip to make to get it IFR into IMC capable!
They finally have pricing for the 2026 trainer configuration. It is $11,000 less than the deluxe, which also has the dual displays. That 11k gives you fancy multicolor paint in the new scheme (rather than single color), wheel pants, and nicer interior side panels. I think that is the only difference.
