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.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 4 hrs )

Cont'd Sect 10-27 at Step 5 & 6:  Match drilled 2 angles, then deburred all holes.  Primed all pieces for Aft Deck assembly.  Started rivets Step 7 - significant variety of sizes and types in one area needing numerous tool set-ups.   Challenging to determine best approach, but trial and error is working,  combined w/ prior experience on what works well, etc.   All these pieces and rivets are critical since this is where Horiz Stab and Vert Stab attach...lots of loading !


 Also jumped ahead to Sect 10-32 to build the rear Access Cover Plates.  Deburred all edges and holes, then used #6 screw size dimple dies to create recess for flush machine screws per the Optional arrangement.  I "broke" the edges with the roller tool to insure Plates lay tight to fuselage skins.  Glad I chose the Optional, even though under HS, it's "slicker" with flush screw heads.
Already mounted once with machine screws...forgot to take pic.
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