Steevo's RV14a Build Log: 01/19/16

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.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Empennage

Rudder (4 hrs )

Continuing page 7-7 with Dimpling. RH & LH skins, flanges on ribs and spar, stiffeners.
Finally ready to clean all parts with Acetone. Primed both sides after several hours drying on one side, but could have sprayed within minutes

Lots of small parts. I'll do scuffed areas of rudder skins tomorrow - just not sufficient room for all at once. Cold outside, but able to heat shop in mid 50's. Used high intensity halogen lights to directly warm aluminum during and after spraying.

Empennage

Rudder (4.5hrs)

Completed finl drill (ream) holes on RH skin started yesterday with LH side per page 7-7.

Then onto Step 5: put slight bend on RH and LH skin trailing edges with roll former tool. This will hold edge tighter to TE piece when riveted.

Hard to get good pic of slight bend. This is prior to Acetone cleaning and Priming.

Next deburr ALL holes in both skins, all stiffeners, etc. That's a lot of holes !

When that was done, used maroon scotchbrite to scuff all mating surfaces (those with Alclad affected during processing. I'm following sequence of DDSDAP (Drill, Deburr, Scuff, then Dimple, Acetone to clean, and Prime). Van's tech support has told me OK to either prime before or after dimples...but I prefer after so can scuff surfaces better vs recessed dimples. Also primer won't get removed during dimpling.