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, May 23, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage (4 hrs )

Sect 10-9 Step 2-7 completed:  finished deburring edges, holes and smoothed flange facets.  Checked fit into Aft Bottom Skin... A-OK!  (no fluting needed ...bulkheads were already straight and fit well)
Also cleco'd rearmost Bulkhead w/ Tie Down Bracket into position on Aft Bottom Skin.  Also good fit.   (prior sub-assembly is already primed)

Dimpled the #40 and optional #27 holes for the flush screws installation later (ordered screws and nutplates from Van's today).  
  Riveted two H.S. Attach Brackets to these two bulkheads w/ 30 universal head size 4-7 rivets.  Appreciated using Main Squeeze again (needed to add 3 washers to lengthen reach of Universal die for flange height clearance).

Sect 10-10 Steps 1-3:  Next bulkhead sub-assembly includes "step drilling the 5/8" hole for bushing, dimpling #40 holes on flanges, deburring edges and holes, plus smoothing facets on flanges...again.    I prefer working each section (bulkhead sub-assembly) as mini-project following instructions in sequence, vs gathering all the bulkhead pieces and deburring, scuffing and priming as major batch.  With nice weather, set up outside to spray primer takes only a minute, so small batches are easy
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