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.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Empennage

Rudder (4 hrs)

Page 7-8  Step 1:  Back rivet stiffeners to RH skin,  then stiffeners to LH skin.    

Pic below shows tapes over rivets after inserted.   Turned over skin, added stiffeners and proceeded to back rivet.

Primed only at rivet lines.  Ran out of Napa 7220, finished with Duplicolor "green".

Step 2:  Add bottom rib -B and Attach Strip to RH rudder skin. [ see pic below]  
Note:  no primer under TE location since taped off per instructions.  This enables tape adhesive to stick to aluminum instead of paint for better bonding)

Step 3 page 7-8: Blind rivet shear clips to RH side stiffeners/skin assembly.


Step 1 on page 7-9:  Applied 3M VHB tape to both sides of TE wedge.  First cleaned with acetone.  Let tape adhesive set up for 20 min.   Then peeled off covering on tape to apply to RH skin.  Careful aligning with dimpled skin to C'sink TE wedge.    Cleco'd 100%, then let adhesive set up on RH skin/TE interface.    No picture...
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