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, April 22, 2016

Empennage

Elevator  (3.5 hrs )

Sect 9-16, Step 3:  Deburred edges, Final Drilled (reamed) then deburred  all #30 holes on 4 E910 Hinge Reinforcement Plates.  Primed these prior to riveting to L & R Front Spars.  Added 4 K1000-6 nutplates that will anchor swivel bolts acting as hinges between Elevator and Horiz Stab. Instructions spec'd 470 4-6,  but first one had to be replaced after it curled as I began to squeeze.  Closer examine with gauge showed too long !   Checked alternate  -5 rivets, but gauge showed too short.  So I simply hand ground eight 470  4-6  rivets by just .5 to  -5.5 lengths.  These were perfect.
Front Spars w/  Hinge Reinforcement Plates and nutplates.

Jumped to Sect 9-17, Step 3 to rivet Shear Clips and Gussets to LH and RH Rear Spars, and cleco'd 12 Ribs ...to complete next session.  Gotta go mow since grass is growing like crazy this spring.
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