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.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Empennage

Rudder  (4.5 hrs )

The BIG day...riveting the Trailing Edge (TE) per page 7-12, Step 1.   After again reviewing critical info provided in section 5.6 - 5.8  (back riveting, trailing edge rivet procedures, etc), I got started.
Started from center, and only riveted every 10th spot.   Initially only enough to "set" the rivet, to avoid starting any waves or bowing.    Plus, took extra time to alternate sides, even though required removing "weights, turning over rudder, and replacing rivets.   Gradually worked until every hole was riveted.   And finished each "shop end" to as flush as feasible in the dimples.
Aviation mags served well as soft weights along straight board.
Success !   Pleased with appearance  - but more importantly no twist or bowing,  and very little "waviness"   Sighting down the edge was rewarding.    Hard to get picture focused entire length..so these are best views.
 

 
Steps 2. 3 & 4:   Roll the leading edges that will tuck inside rear of Vertical Stab.    Used 1" broomstick with C Clamp as torquing handle.

Checked frequently w/ A, B & C templates for radius.    Challenging, but worked carefully, repeating as necessary to get the tighter radii needed.
White templates for radii checkning are on rudder in pic above.
Cleco'd....then reamed holes with #30.   Riveted with blind rivets as specified.

Done with Rudder "chapter" 7.    Next, starting the Horizontal Stabilizer.    Whoo Hoo !


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