Helicopter Vents

[bigmack]

Recently, while cruising on some country roads, my helicopter vent blew open and scared the begeezus out of me. I swear I thought I blew a tire, then worried the alternator dropped off, or something else dropped off. Man it was loud "WHAHM". I emailed the factory, who advised that I drive with the vent turned the other way. No brainer, I know, but I would dread to think what that thing sounds like at 130+mph. Just a word of warning to those who are using these vents. Thanks again to the factory for that bit of advice
Cheers!
-Mack

[steve_D]

Your not the first.
Ultimapaul had a similar 'brown trouser moment'.
I believe it stays closed normally but will fly open when driving with it just open a crack.
Steve

[bigmack]

Nice to know I'm not the only one!
Thanks Steve.
Cheers!
-Mack

[454]

Does anyone know what kind of speeds these vents are safe to be open up to ?

Has anyone done some high speed runs with the vents open and facing forwards ?

I am a little worried that at "Autobahn speeds" the air pressure might just yank the vent straight out the window

Jez

[ultiman]

I have had a few similar moments with the same heart stopping effects. I found that each vent either side would bang open at different speeds and were incredibly consistent, probably more accurate that the speedo but rather less convenient. I have travelled at 140 with them open but the noise is more of a reason to close them than any danger of them falling off.

[Steve-B]

where does one buy these vents guys? i'm working on a project for taking a huge number (~55) from the UK to the US next year, and these could be welcome airvents to force some air in.

[steve_D]

The Ultima Factory sell them but I have seen them elsewhere. I though it was Car Builder Solutions but they do not appear on their web site.

Steve

[jschwartz]

They're made in USA, Knoxville Tennessee.

[BobM]

steve_D said:

The Ultima Factory sell them but I have seen them elsewhere. I though it was Car Builder Solutions but they do not appear on their web site.

They are on the CBS site Steve:

www.nfauto.co.uk/cbs_products4.htm

[steve_D]

BobM said:

steve_D said: The Ultima Factory sell them but I have seen them elsewhere. I though it was Car Builder Solutions but they do not appear on their web site. They are on the CBS site Steve: www.nfauto.co.uk/cbs_products4.htm

Bob
My problem is I went to the CBS index and scrolled to 'vents'. Seemed quite logical to we but it only produced dashboard vents.
Was I supposed to work my way through and look at every product? I only do that when I have money to spend.

Still, there you go guys £18 the pair.

Steve

[USCANAM]

I used the larger ones
www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/snapvents.php
Available from the US or English locations
Jack