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, November 24, 2018

Avionics

Alt Field, Discrete #4 and Contactor Relay" connected ( 3 hrs )

Connected "Alt Fld" wire (from Master Switch position 3) to Alternator red wire (from gray  connector on alternator for Alt Enable Field Switch).  Connected "Discrete #4" wire from GEA24 J244 connector to white wire at Alt (connector on back of Alternator)  - to provide indication Alt output "OFF".  Per Stein Air's recommendation, I soldered wires instead of using crimped splice joints.  So most of time spent practice soldering.   Covered joints with two layers heat shrink for better toughness, and the extra lengths were doubled up and secured with cable ties to P909 Alt Pwr wire.  Added spiral wrap for extra protection (not in pic below).    Next, connected "Contactor Relay" wire from Master Switch (position 6) to Master or Main Battery Contactor Relay on firewall.  Crimped ring terminal on the Wht/Brn wire. secured to post along with ES Diode Master.  Used layered heat shrink at crimp, then covered this single wire with small dia spiral wrap all the way to firewall opening.
Doubled extra length of wires after soldering, covering heat shrink. 
After pic, covered with spiral wrap

view from below...  secured "Contactor Relay" wire to battery 
cable on way to firewall opening

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