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.

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Empennage

Elevator  (3.5 hrs )

Big day today....joined Front Spar with Tips to the Skins, etc. It's been a long journey for the Elevators (seems as long as the Rudder + Vert Stab + Horiz Stab combined...)  
Bottom side LH Elevator...Front Spar installed.  "Stored" while work on RH side...
Sect 9-20, Steps 7-9: Riveted LH and RH Front Spar Assly's into Elevator Skins at Ribs with 18 blind rivets each side.  Very satisfying to have perfect alignment of all holes.

Sect 9-21, Steps 6-8: jumped one set ahead to complete Inboard Close-out of RH Elevator, since already on the table.  Tricky 2 rivets to E 921 Gusset - requires lifting corner of skin to reach shop ends.  My wife's smaller hands were really helpful.  Thanks Nancy !  
RH Inboard Close-out...done
 Steps 1-5:  Back up one set of instructions to do LH Elevator Inboard Close-out.  Again, several challenging rivets requiring lots of patience.   But each time figured out best way to position bucking bar (even one time able to use Main Squeeze to reach inside).  

Started Sect 9-22, Step 1 and Step 5 riveting Shear Clips to LH and RH Outboard Tips.   Tiring work today due to many different set ups and tools, and lots of reading and re-reading to be sure understood instructions and process expected.

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