Steevo's RV14a Build Log: 04/13/16

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.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Empennage

Elevator ( 4 hrs )

Completed Step 7 for RH top and bottom Skins and Step 8, Countersink TE Wedges. These countersinks required a few clicks (thousandths) on microstop to allow dimples in Skins to fully seat on TE.

1st countersink on TE showing depth (used scrap piece prior to set depth).

Scrap alum sheet holds wedge level. Angle in back insures positioning.

Step 1-3 @ Sect 9-10: Dimpled Left Inboard Shear Clip only (1 of 3)...glad I labeled these during disassembly. And dimpled Inboard Tip Ribs, and all Ribs.

I mounted Main Squeeze tool to workbench, as I'd seen in another builder's posting. It was MUCH easier to hold a part while positioning into hole and squeezing - vs clamping a part and holding the Squeezer. Don't recall the builder, but sure glad I discovered this arrangement !

Jumped to Sect 9-11, Steps 1-4: Additional #40 holes to dimple: LH & RH Root Ribs, Trim Access Reinforcement Doublers and Brace.

This required using #6 screw dimple dies in the #27 holes for the Nutplates. I used a K1100-06 Nutplate to confirm large dimple fit correctly.

Completed LH & RH Spars - lots of holes ! Also dimpled the #40 holes in all 7 K1100-06 Nutplates, from Sect 9-12, Step 2...working ahead a little.