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, June 10, 2017

Fuselage

Interior color & Flap Actuation Ass'ly ( 3 hrs )

Getting ready to paint interior color, so I've examined other builders experience and opinions on VAF.  Decided to go w/ simple spray cans, and Rustoleum enamels seems favored (staying away from lacquers ).   Recommendations are to avoid dark colors (gets very hot!), yet not too light (adds many reflections in canopy).  Staying within gray tones.   I narrowed interior colors from initial 6 to the 3 purchased yesterday to trial.  Prepared a scrap piece of aluminum w/ the Napa 7220 self-etching primer I've been using (~ 48 hrs cure), and divided into three sections.  Good results:  Decided the Granite/satin finish is too dark, and the Aluminum/gloss is too bright (although not as glossy as expected).  The one on right side is called "hammered" for it's textured appearance.  It's not as shiny, and seems a good balance between too dark vs too bright.  Plus it will hide minor defects (before and during painting), and goes on easily.   It's finish seems between satin and gloss, with a slight texture and metallic appearance.  Letting it fully cure to test it's toughness while I consider other gray options.
Leaning toward one on right:  Hammered (silver metallic).

Opposite direction in sun.   Satin one on right looks blotchy...

Jumped to Sect 34-02 Steps 1-11 to build Flap Actuation Ass'ly.  First added flat overhanging surface to facilitate clamping.  Template provided (same one used for Aileron alignment, etc) works great.  Ready to prime inside tubes, then assemble into Fuse.
 drilled, temp bolts holding LH side.

Completed LH and RH torque arms.   Temp bolts holding while I admire results



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