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, March 21, 2016

Empennage

Horiz Stab (5.0 hrs)

Cont'd with Sect 8-12 at Step 1:  Riveting along Front Spar flanges for all four sides (R & L, Top & Bott)  using page 8-13 "map" of rivet lengths (four different lengths).   Being really careful to insure smooth as possible for these flush rivets.   Looking great !

I did 208 rivets.  This is approximately 1.5 minutes per rivet ...some were quick (less than 20 seconds), but many took some attention to align bucking bar, insure all layers "compressed", and apply rivet tape.    Another builder shared with me his tip to use rivet tape on each flush rivet to limit sliding or movement of the rivet gun.  Seems to work for me, but does take more time.

For the last one of 4 sides,  I applied masking tape to the Spar to protect from bucking bar, AND to prevent dropping it into the nose rib area via the lightening holes.    Worked well...no scratches now (you can see minor scratches in opposite side at channel inside radius.   Plus less tension about having to retrieve the bucking bar if I let go at wrong time.
Prior side worked w/o tape led to some minor scratches into the Alclad layer.

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