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.

Monday, June 26, 2017

Fuselage

Control Stick Bases ( 2 hrs )

Primed, then finish painted 4 Rudder Cable Links and the Wiring Channel Ass'ly (goes under dash in center).  Installed LH & RH Control Stick Bases per Sect 36-11.   LH side required thin shim to take up space between bearings - otherwise bearings bound up when AN4-37A bolt/nut tightened.  Aaargh...  But the RH side fit perfectly.   Installed the Stick Link Pushrod (ties LH to RH Control Bases for Ailerons).  Very challenging to align for the 2 inner washers....struggled nearly 30 min before success.  Thank you washer wrenches !
Limited access, and hard to see to install washers.
Not tightened yet...  waiting to measure if  joysticks 
will be parallel.   Note the Control Base has already 
been installed with long AN4-73A bolt.

Sweet...LH & RH side connected
 via pushrod (grey bar below)

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