Steevo's RV14a Build Log: Finish Kit

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, December 21, 2017

Finish Kit

LH Main Gear Mount ( 3 hrs )

Installed LH Main Gear Leg per Sect 40A-04. Experience with RH Leg helped make this one a little easier to insert and align. Still a tight fit. Installing washers, nuts, tightening and then torquing all 8 various fasteners requires considerable time as each presented challenging access. Toward end of session, I tightened nuts holding U1402 to Fuselage. A few months ago during build of the Fuselage at Sect 29-03, Step 3 the instructions have builder "leave these loose for now". So now was time to torque, along with all others in immediate area. The aft two bolts use MS21083-N5 "shear" nuts. These are thinner than AN365-524 nuts. The thinner nuts save a few ounces for all 4, and are all that is needed for this shear joint. But I applied std torque -- and stripped one. I replaced with AN365-524 nut, which took full torque. I will replace all 3 others as soon as I receive replacement AN365-524 nuts from Vans.