Installing third cabin venturi vent

[Scottmcelroy]

Just wondering if there is a way to install a third cabin vent on the side wall of the baggage area below the rear canopy lexan and not compromise fuselage structural integrity. The thought is that it would be rear opening facing (opposite of the two front floor cabin vents) to create a venturi affect to remove hot air in the cabin or CO2/smoke should it enter the cabin. Opening the two front vents creates a positive pressure in the cabin with no ability to exhaust the air. Has anyone done this or perhaps Van's engineering could offer guidance on how to accomplish?

 

[dbhill916]

I never installed the weatherstripping under the canopy rails or behind the arch. I find that there's an excellent airflow through the cabin without them. It's quite nice in the Ohio summer, although a tad much in the winter (but keeping the vents closed plus a good jacket is all you need to fly comfortably in the winter.). You can find some nice digital anemometers online and do some experiments to see what your airflow is in your cabin with the vents open or closed. You may not need to do any modifications to achieve a decent cabin volume exchange interval. As always, YMMV.

 

[Scottmcelroy]

I never installed the weatherstripping under the canopy rails or behind the arch. I find that there's an excellent airflow through the cabin without them. It's quite nice in the Ohio summer, although a tad much in the winter (but keeping the vents closed plus a good jacket is all you need to fly comfortably in the winter.). You can find some nice digital anemometers online and do some experiments to see what your airflow is in your cabin with the vents open or closed. You may not need to do any modifications to achieve a decent cabin volume exchange interval. As always, YMMV.

YMMV-

Really appreciate your sage advice. I just bought my 2023 RV12is and am about to undertake painting it myself (painted cars before and have a booth) so I wanted to do any modifications before painting. I kinda forget that these planes aren’t really meant to be super tight tolerances on sealing etc. It rains a lot here in Portland so I’ve already noticed a leak from the canopy and wind noise. Perhaps as you stated with yours it’s a good thing for ventilation and by testing I may find another vent isn’t necessarily needed! Love this community and thank you again. MAC Speed

 

[dbhill916]

As a new owner, pleased be prepared for massive happiness and fun! I think you'll find the RV-12(iS) to be a fantastic plane for just enjoying classic aviation (eyes outside) or technical aviation (eyes on the panel). In your case, a simple rain cover will probably be a sound investment (assuming you are parked outside.). I can't recall the brand name of my cover at the moment, but will be happy to provide a reference when I get back to the hanger on Saturday. Shoot me a PM if you need a link.