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, July 6, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage (2.5 hrs )

Determined needed about 4" more of C1037 and C1036 wires toward front...so entire W00057 Aft Fuse Harness had to have tie wraps removed, re-adjusted position about 5 inches, and re-installed.   Sect 10-25 doesn't provide length of C409P connector/hharness portion at rear.  But while working on Aft Deck installation, determined I had excess length at rear (Sect 10-27 Fig 3).  Other antenna and harness directions clearly show critical length of free ends on installation pages.  So would've been helpful on 10-25 !   Required about 1 hr to re-do.
C1036 & 37 were 4 inches short of bulkhead
Corrected...taped to front of bulkhead
Sect 10-27 cont'd with dimpling and fit up of Aft Deck pieces.  Discovered missed dimpling across top of F0140C bulkhead - but fortunately easily done w/ Main Squeezer (whew).  Re-primed the 8 holes.  Cleco'd and Final Drilled all holes.  I'll prime after Match Drilling the 2 angle reinforcements.
fit is good !
ready to match drill 2 angles


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