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.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Empennage

Rudder (2.5 hrs)

Page 7-4  at Step 9:   Scuffed using maroon scotchbrite ALL doublers, rudder spar, top rib, bottom rib, and counterbalance rib.  Also Rudder Horn (aluminum extrusion...without Alclad requires full coverage for corrosion protection).   This is prep to spray with self-etching primer.
Scuffed, but not yet cleaned via Acetone.

I've purchased a new brand of self-etching primer; Napa 7220.  Seems to cover better, dry quickly with less tendency to run...and I prefer the medium grey color.  My Vertical Stab interior was primed using Duplicolor self-etching primer - "army green".  It was OK, but from builders postings I believe the Napa 7220 is a better product.  Of course it costs more too.
Nap 7220 grey is dark enough to see coverage.

Still searching for a cost effective source for Sherwin Williams GBP988.   A local S-W automotive store wanted approx $20 a rattle can (12 oz) !  That's double Napa 7220 price.   I'm going to redouble my efforts via internet to find a good source at better prices.

Note:  Although some builders prime all interior parts completely, I don't believe cost & added weight are worthwhile.  Van's describes as optional.  Since I plan to always hangar my aircraft and avoid exposure to corrosive environments (such as coastal regions), I'm using a limited coverage approach.  My strategy:  prime anywhere two surfaces are mated and any aluminum not Alclad.  Since I'm buying Quick Build Wings and QB Fuselage,  those will be primed by Van's process using S-W P60G2 (no pigment).  This seems to be a "minimum" protection, so makes no sense to heavily prime remainder of airplane.
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