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.

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Fairing fiberglass (2 hrs )

Nancy (again) helped move Canopy back to bench.  Pleased alignment on Fuselage and on bench is exactly the same...so no twist between either location.  Completed Steps 12-18, Sect 38-28 adding West Systems epoxy resin (105 resin & 206 slow hardener)  w/ microballoons to fill triangular void between top of Canopy Skin and angled edge of Canopy.   Lot's of mixing...adding black tint first, then slowly adding microballoons.  Wearing mask seems important - those microballoons "float" in air like dust if disturbed.  Van's 4 videos on these steps are really helpful.
not all smooth, but will be sanded to
profile anyway.   I mixed a bit "thicker"
with microballoons than needed.
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