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, April 4, 2016

Empennage

Elevator (4 hrs)

Continued Sect 9-04 w/ Step 4 & 5.  Drilled 2 holes in end of Trim Tab Hinge while designating one Aft and other Fwd half.  Sect 9-05 Step 1&2:  Drilled 2 holes in Left Front Spar at 3/8" and 5/8" using Uni-Bit (tested/practised 1st w/ drill press on sample alum since 1st time doing this procedure).   Cleco'd Left and Right Front Spars to Bottom Elevator Skins.
Right side shown

Sect 9-06 Steps 1-4:  Assembled Ribs to Front Spar & Bottom Skins, along with Rear Spar and Root Rib.  Also added Gussets and Shear Clips.    Left side has more w/ doubler, etc for Trim actuator mounting.



Left side with Trim Tab mounting, etc.

Sect 9-07 Steps 1-3:  Positioned precisely Fwd 1/2 piano Trim Tab Hinge.  Match Drilled #40 with extra care to insure aligned...1st with clamps, replacing with clecos as hole drilled.   Trimmed excess length of hinge.

Trial re-attach Aft Hinge ...perfect alignment since pin slips in easily. 

Step 4:  Cleco & Clamped Aft 1/2 Hinge to Trim Tab Spar.   Ready to match drill tomorrow.


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