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.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage  ( 5 hrs )

Yesterday bought, then installed portable A/C  unit for shop - exhausting under garage door.  Used 1x8 board from Empennage kit crate.  Works great !  (see shop posting for info)

Sect 10-13, Step 1 riveted Battery Angle and Bellcrank Rib Assembly to Bulkhead with 6 rivets.  Two required rivet gun and titanium bucking bar to reach.    Then dimpled per Steps 2 & 3, which required first deburring all holes, and edges while at it on Bottom Skin and six J-stiffeners.  ( 2 longest are actually part of next section, but identified in this section by Van's to dimple ).  C-Frame hasn't been used for awhile, but works great.   Lot's of time to deburr and dimple all these holes.

Step 4 & 5 cleco'd Bulkheads, J-stiffeners to Bottom Skin.  Marked perimeter for "no rivets", too. Beginning to look like a fuselage...finally.
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