I've started my adventure to build a Van's Aircraft RV14a. For several years, I've been planning to build an Experimental (homebuilt) airplane - once retired.
But first, I needed to get my Pilot's License. (Kinda key !) So... first things first: I retired March 2014 from Caterpillar - and started flying lessons in the Summer of 2014. Soloed a day after Christmas, and got my Private July 2015. Shop set up, tools acquisition, and practise kits during Fall launched me into my build starting Dec 31, 2015 !

I've chosen to build the RV14a since it's about 10% larger than Van's prior models - so it fits my 6'4" frame well. Van's is well known for great value & outstanding flying qualities. It's been a no brainer decision for me. A tour of their facilities and demo flight in Oct 2013 clinched the deal. My wife - also a pilot - exclaimed after her demo flight "retire NOW so you can build one of these". The RV14a fits my mission of a good compromise between cross country & aerobatics. Plus...I fit, too.

So far, one month into building, it's been rewarding. Very challenging, but certainly a learning experience. The builder community is terrific - as is Van's tech support. I'm finished with the Vert Stab and Rudder (Jan 2016). So... with a 5 month delivery lead time, I've ordered the Quick Build Wings and Fuselage.

I hope this blog assists other new builders, just like several others have been valuable to me. Plus it will serve to document my build step by step. Please drop me a line via the "contact me" form on lower RH margin.
Update: April 2020 relocated to Wickenburg, Az to escape Illinois winters.

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Empennage

Dec 31, 2015  (catching up in new builder's log)

Vertical Stab  (2.5 hrs )

And so...  The Build begins.
Start Sec 6-2  [Section 6 - page 2] , Steps 1 to 6:  Cleco, Drill, Deburr and Dimple.   Primed Front Spar and Doubler at their interface.

Don't have picture of parts just after prime but here's doubler riveted onto Front Spar in Vertical Stabilizer.
Duplicolor self etching primer is green.


 Note:  After reviewing Van's recommendations, many builder's logs, and discussion with several local builders, I've decided to prime interior components "minimally".  ie ...at those surfaces with work affecting the Alclad coating (drilling, deburring, etc).  And of course all non-Alclad parts such as alum. angles.   I scuff w/ scotchbrite, clean with Acetone, then spray self etching primer.  Started with Duplicolor, but plan to switch to Napa 7220 or Sherwin Williams GPB 988.


Sec 6-3:  Scuffed powder coat on Hinges (prep for ultimate finish painting much later).  See Plan Gotcha's at Vans Airforce forum.   One of the ideas by other builders is to perform this action now, since harder to scuff for finish paint once hinges assembled permanently.
Hinges - in white - pre-scuffed (for later finish painting)


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