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, December 15, 2018

Avionics

Static, Pitot & AOA connected, Comm Antenna installed ( 4 hrs )

Connected Static (red), Pitot (white), & AOA (blue) lines to G3X at GSU 25 and to G5.   (note: blue AOA line goes only to GSU 25).  T fittings worked well.  Next, enlarged holes at Comm antenna mount on bottom RH side of Fuse and F-00020 Doubler per Sect 55-05, Fig 1 and Sec 28-02.  Mounted with 8-32 flathead SS screws.  Comm antenna is Comant C1 122 whip, VHF Com 118-137 MHz, Serial # 556913.   Also completed riveting second Joystick Boot w/ just delivered 8 more AACQ 4-3 rivets.  Good progress today, plus this morning I attended EAA Chapter 129 breakfast where my friend Rick Olson displayed his just built RV-4.   He's really enjoying every minute flying, w/ approx 6 hrs of 40 hr Phase 1 completed.  Very impressive !  Congrats Rick !
Static (red), Pitot (white), and AOA (blue) connected. 
Installed back-up battery on G5 also

Comm antenna mounted
Doubler plate on inside





Rick Olson with his RV-4.  He painted it too.  Terrific!


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