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.

Friday, April 14, 2017

Fuselage

Control Column Assembly shims ( 3 hrs )

Tried again to measure total gap to be filled on both sides.  Targeted .098 and .074 to fill measured .172" gap (required combinations of washers to be ground down).  Can't measure inner gap due to flange once 1st outer ear has washer/shims installed.   Found this to be "loose", so started over with different combination of washers and shims.    Success [ still considering another tweak ! ] - not "loose", but sufficiently low friction so assembly free falls once nudged.   Contacting Mitch Lock, East Coast sales rep for Vans who has built RV14a for his insights.   Connected up control arm so I could get realistic feel from actual grip.   Recently received these Control Sticks.  Feel seems OK, but could be better if less drag...?    Moved on to Sect 26-10, first steps after QB:  Tri-gear specific Steps 2, 4 & 5 completed (no pics yet).

 Comparing left to right with no drag, vs some drag for pitch...  hmmm.  More tweaking needed...
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