Thread: Side window scoop vents won't stay closed!

HI Gang,
We have very cold winters here in WI. You can imagine my distress when the scoop vents on both sides of my CT spontaneously opened at altitude. There was nothing I could do to get them to stay closed. Naturally, I pushed them closed (had to open my shoulder harness to reach over to the right side), but they wouldn't stay closed. Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions (other than tape on the outside, because I'm concerned about damage to the window from removing the tape and/or adhesive residue)? This is a REAL problem. Are my scoop vents defective? BTW, this didn't happen when I flew in mild weather.

Bob Sigman
Appleton, WI

Bob,

I'm not sure what the problem is but mine stay closed in the cold weather so I'm sure it can be resolved.

You are right ,

I have noticed this occasionally.

I does seem to happen more when it is cold(er).

So far, I have not bothered to try to fix this since it has not been that big an issue for me, so if you have any suggestions, let me know.

Cheers,

Jos

While awaiting greater wisdom (or a fix from Flight Design) I flew today and tried a little self-help: I fed a couple of rubber bands through the scoop vents and secured the other end on that little round knob that is aft on the sliding window opening. It worked, just fine, but I'm not satisfied to hold a brand new $120,000 airplane together with rubber bands. These CT's are great performers and lots of fun to fly, but I can't say that I'm totally satisfied with quality control. The labels in the cabin (trim wheels, for instance) are VERY chintzy and won't stay in place for very long. There are other squawks that I've experienced, but this isn't the time or the topic to belabor them. Basically, I love the airplane, but there are a few frustrations associated with it and its manufacturer and distribution chain.
Happy Landings,

Bob

Bob,

I'd go ahead and list your squawks here.... I think you can express your thoughts and frustrations here and as long as they are in a positive and professional manner. Hopefully. some will get seen by the powers at be and get corrected. Then we've helped out the next guy.

We can also learn from one another....maybe someone else has a better "mouse trap" and will share. Like you say it's a great airplane and we're lucky to have some great pilots here willing to discuss some of the very few short comings.

Roger H

Hi Bob,

Could this some how be a pressure issue. Maybe a negative pressure past the vent on the outside and a positive pressure on the inside that opens the vent?
Just thinking out loud.
I do not have the problem. All my wholes up by the top are taped and sealed so no cold air comes in. I have to physically push my vents open.
I really don't have a clue here to help.

Sorry

Hi Bob,

My little scoops popped open on my very first familiarisation flight with my instructor when he opened the taps to show me the top speed!!

It was an easy thing to fix; you simply tighten the little Nyloc nut on the end of the threaded hinge screw. Be careful though, you only need to add a little bit of extra friction - not distort the persex!!!

Paul
G-RILA