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.

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Aft Fuselage

SB 18-09-17  ( 2 hrs )

Started Service Bulletin SB 18-09-17 "Cracking of F01478 Aft Fuselage - Forward Bottom Skins".  Examples of cracks discovered are here and here.    Deburred, dimpled, machine c'sunk and primed all pieces in "kit" I received Oct 10, 2018.  On bottom of Fuse, drilled out 10 rivets (all without extra drama...Yay!)  Cleco'd exterior plate in place.  Next step requires crawling inside Aft Fuselage ...aaarrggghhh!  I know it can be done...here's example.  My wife will use the rivet gun from beneath Fuselage.  I've remembered to brace the tail, so it won't suddenly become a tail dragger. 😜
page 1 of  good instructions w/ great dwgs
deburred, dimpled & machine c'sunk....primed next




6 rivets removed center area, plus 2 LH & 2 RH   J-stiffeners

yellow marks highlight missing rivets.
You can see shop head ends still on fuselage bottom

Diamond shaped "skin doubler" in place on bottom surface
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