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.

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Empennage

Mar 5, 2016

Horiz Stab  (4.0hrs)

Sect 8-2:  Steps 7-8.    Clean  doubler with acetone, then primed.    After drying, riveted to Rear Spar with AD470 4-6 rivets (36 of them !)   The Main Squeeze makes quick work of these rivets, but my arm was getting a little tired.    Pic below still has blue marks indicating where NOT to rivet at this time.


Sect 8-3:  Steps 1 & 2:  Drill, deburr, and rivet (6) the inboard hinge assembly with flange bearing captured between.    Jumped ahead to this page while waiting for primer to dry on doubler.
Sect 8-2:  Step 9:  Riveted 4 pairs of hinge brackets to spar.   (out of sequence, since I did these while waiting for primer to dry fully).

 Sect 8-3: Step 3.  Bolted inboard hinge to spar and doubler.   Used 28 in-lbs plus 14 in-lbs (friction drag for lock nut) per Sect 5-20 in manual.
Step 8-3:  Step 4:  Prep 2 Front Spar Caps and 2 Stingers for the Forward Spar.    Involves cutting off ends at angle, grinding to smooth finish, and deburring all edges.   Got into a rhythm so I felt a bit like a robot doing these edges.   Not pictured...



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