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.

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage  (3 hrs )

Finished Sect 10-27 via bucking those rivets that I couldn't use Main Squeeze on.   Several sizes on Fig 2 diagram by Van's were too short ! vs 'checking gauge'...so substituted next size ( -8 vs -7, -5 vs -4, and even -6 vs -4 spec'd).  Surprised not just a 0.5 off, but whole length.  These were in locations with additional layers that perhaps designers/engineers didn't account for.   It's always good idea to check lengths throughout build, as other builders have noted.  So...if you are building, check with gauge tool vs reliance only on dwg call outs.  
Several rivet locations with "protruding ears" nearby (mounting tail assemblies eventually) required offset extension in rivet gun.  These required much higher pressure adj. at gun since lots of impact energy seems to be lost due to offset.  

Hooray !  Mounted Vert Stabilizer per Sect 10-28.   Drilled (2) #12 size holes through stab spar into rearmost bulkhead.   Disassembled and re-stored V.S. for later section fit up after top skins are completed on Fuse.
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