Steevo's RV14a Build Log: 04/13/17

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, April 13, 2017

Fuselage

Correcting Shims at Control Column Assly ( 4 hrs )

Back to building after quick adventure flying to Kansas City with Nancy and I taking turns as pilot or navigator. Started at Sect 29-05 to "fix" the Control Column Assembly. I discovered upon delivery back in Nov they were not correctly shimmed, binding the bearings so considerable friction when moving. NOT good for that great RV feel! Vans builder support sent shims and new nuts. But I should have yelped about needing to redo (only washers installed were nominal shown in Fig 4) - since this is very difficult and time consuming. Really hard to reach, especially the inner ear. I used a mirror to guide the washer wrenches (the special wrenches are a necessity !) and applied cyanoacrylate to bond thick and thin washer together. Van's advice today was to start at one control stick side, and when successful (low friction after torqued ) proceed to other end. Finally, after several iterations got the RH side moving freely when torqued. Still working on LH side with 4 iterations. Shame can't find a way to accurately measure gap - - I tried, but just poor access -- so only way seems trial and error. #@$%&... to be continued.

2 washers plus thin shim bonded
prior to inserting via "washer wrench"

first washer / shims "easy",
other side covered by flange is tough