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, July 11, 2017

Fuselage

Flap Position Sensor, Roll Bar install  ( 5 hrs )

Bolted on Flap Actuator per Sect 34-04 Steps 3 & 4, and  34-05 Steps 1 & 2.  Safety wired jam nut on rod end.  Completed optional Flap Position Sensor install (Sect 54-04 Steps 6-9).  Works great -  used R/C Field Kit 12v starter battery to operate through range of travel.  Riveted on Roll Bar Ass'ly per Sect 37-06 Steps 1-9, including Doublers and Bronze Bushing for Canopy retention pin.  Added 27" square tubing temporary legs to LH and RH Wing Spars.   This positions Fuse lower so easier to work on Canopy and Rear Window during Finish Kit (actual landing gear legs would be too tall, and project out considerably).  Bolted in using same bolts, washers & nuts originally holding plywood spacers in Spar from QB shipment.  Added "fender washers" to fill width perfectly between front to rear Spar.  Those bolts are sheathed in plastic too,  protecting holes in Spar.
 
single flush rivet under doubler
 
Built 1.5" sq tubing short legs
Note: bottom hole is outward slightly from top hole, probably setting up couple degrees dihedral when Wing is installed.  Thus "leg" is not perfectly vertical, but it'll do....




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