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.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Empennage

Rudder (1.5 hrs)

Step 1 on page 7-5:  Cleco assembly making rudder "skeleton" (spar, several doublers, etc).
 Proceeded to rivet per instructions in Step 2 & 3.  About 1/2 done before I needed to quit for the day.
Today I'd scheduled to go flying in the afternoon - and the weather was perfect.  Mid 40's and mostly sunny with moderate southerly winds.  Fun day in the air.

1 of 3 large K1000-6 platenuts installed in pics above.   These mount the swivel bearings "bolts" as part of the rudder hinges.  

Waiting on Van's delivery of 6 more - the original inventory was missing (only 1 of seven were in a bag in Empennage Kit discovered during inventoried back in Dec ).   They sent last week 6 more platenuts - but they were way too small !    So now they're re-sending the correct size with apologies. Unfortunately, of the 7 page inventory listed for the Empennage Kit, these were needed early in process.    Expecting tomorrow or Sat...so I'll work around by assembling the stiffeners.   Gotta remember to install before adding skins permanently....since other 2 platenuts will be enclosed !
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