Steevo's RV14a Build Log: 12/11/18

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.

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Avionics

Pitot and AOA lines ( 2 hrs )

Routed blue 1/4" OD nylon air line for AOA through fuselage from wing root to IP.
Routed "white" line for Pitot.
and Red line in Fuselage is for Static air (routed recently)

Also replaced white line in LH Wing with blue line ( so now matched). Cleaveland Tools had 25' of 1/4" OD blue line for only $6.35, so I had plenty for both Wing and Fuselage. I purchased simple air coupler from Stein Air for joining air lines at wing root/fuselage...so I could route air lines in Wing completely, and in Fuselage completely now (vs when joining Wing to Fuselage). Also, I routed 14ga Red wire from LH Wing root out to Pitot mast, along blue air line. This will connect heater function on Pitot (non-regulated).

Static (red), AOA (blue), and Pitot (white) lines to IP

Past spar, out to LH Wing root/fuselage

Red 14ga wire for heater function on Garmin GAP 26 Pitot.
White line is for Pitot, Blue is for AOA

about 1/2 way to Pitot in LH Wing.
Aileron pushrod not installed to bellcrank visible in bay