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, January 26, 2019

Avionics - Nav Lights and Landing/Taxi Lights

Nav/Strobe Lights and Landing/Taxi Lights ( 4 hrs )

Completed mounting LH (green) and RH (red) Wing Tip Nav/Strobe Lights (Vans # LN-201-1)  per OP55-02 Steps 1-3.   Simple drilling and uni-bit to prep Wing Tip, then attached mounting plates.  Crimped Molex pins to 4 wires on each.  LN-201-1 comes with 4 Pin female Molex, but Wing kit wiring already has 5 Pin male Molex.  Aarrgghhh!  Vans OP55-03 shows 5 pin female Molex.  Since Wing has mounting slot set up for the 5 Pin, I'm contacting Vans to provide correct female 5 pin Molex connectors.   Meanwhile, completed Steps 1-4, Sect OP52A-01, "Aero LEDs Sunspot LX Landing and Taxi Lights":  Created (8) 10 mm long spacers.  Deburred all holes, edges and slots.   Added 8 nutplates.  Ready to prime and paint flat black.
RH ready to for mounting plate.  Slot allows Molex
connector to pass, if already done
Ready to mount light...but
added Molex pins first


RH side "done"...bottome LH light shown for reference
LH  done


time consuming to create 8 spacers each 10 mm long (w/o lathe)

deburring done...ready to add nutplates

Trial assembly.  Planning to prime and paint Mon
when weather is not so cold!
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1 comment:

  1. TransientAirJanuary 27, 2019 at 11:56 AM

    I’m curious what you learn from Van’s concerning the connectors. I just encountered this issue too on my build.

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