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, August 19, 2017

Finish Kit

Window install  ( 4 hrs )

Finished Machine C'sinking holes along Fwd edge (at Roll Bar), and sanding same edge with 220 then 400 grit.  Worked very carefully, so consumed a lot of time.   I decided to hand file a chamfer on trailing edge of window shim on Roll Bar.   The Roll Bar ( essentially a rectangular tube) does not twist as it goes from top surface to vertical surface.  Consequently, the window shim surface doesn't align w/ plexiglass by about 5 degrees.  Tightening the screws holding the plexiglass will put a bend in the first 1/2"...so I've attempted to minimize that stress.     Test fit -- overall, looks great ...and very pleased NO cracks...Yahoo!  It's been a tense week working on the Window...so glad done with Sect 38-03.
shiny surface is new "chamfer" on window
shim.  Needed some touch up paint anyway.

close up of fit
 
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