Steevo's RV14a Build Log: Empennage

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, August 4, 2016

Empennage

Empennage Attach ( 1 hr )

Attached LH and RH Elevators to H.S, and re-measured full Up and full Down. Some extra clearance needed at Aft Fuselage to Elev Horns in order to provide full 30deg Up, and 25deg Down. Van's has told me about 25deg Up and 20deg Down would be sufficient ( I'm limited now to about 26 Up, and 22 Down -- but instructions call for 30/25....so I'm planning to gain a few more degrees). Seems some builders have had similar results, so not surprised.

Checked Rudder clearance to Elevator, and both directions meet 19mm required. Thus no change to Stops needed (yeah!).

Installed Rudder Cables, but needed to reverse so mounted under Rudder Horn to clear Rudder Stops. I have inquiry to Van's since my cable end is not a clevis, but a simple end.
UPDATE: Van's confirmed I installed Rudder Cables backwards. So in process to reverse front to back, so expected clevis end is at Rudder Horn. Carefully drilled out blind rivets holding plastic guides, tied string to cable end, and pulled out. Simple to use same string to pull back through fuselage now attached to correct end. Note: Instructions only tell you to check plastic sleeve is at forward end...and mine was supplied with the plastic sleeve slipped onto wrong end, so I proceeded to install reversed. Diagrams are subtle, but closer inspection does show the rudder attachment via clevis end...which is how I originally thought they should attach.