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.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Finish Kit

Painting Canopy Frame ( 4 hrs )

With decent weather today ( sunny, 65 deg F) vs forecast for 40's for next several days, I worked quickly to be able to paint outdoors.  Otherwise, I'd need to set up my temporary paint booth, and the
Frame would be a tight fit.  I prepped the Frame by scuffing followed by cleaning with acetone, then sprayed the acid etching Napa 7720 Primer as usual.  While drying, I dimpled the Canopy attach holes in C01419 L & R Side Skins.   I primed these, and the shims for the Canopy Rails.   Next, sprayed Rustoleum Professional "aluminum" (same as cockpit interior).  Then masked off so I could spray Glare Shield with Rustoleum Satin Black.  Determined too shiny, so I made final pass with Flat Black.   Success !  Ready to re-assembly Canopy onto Frame.
scuffed portions not yet primed.  Glare shield on other side, too
Primer applied.   
Primer, before adding interior final color

Final interior color applied.

Simple...  seems to be working well.


Glare shield in flat black.   

No comments:

Post a Comment