Steevo's RV14a Build Log: Finish Kit and Avionics

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, February 2, 2019

Finish Kit and Avionics

Safety wire and Oil Cooler Air Valve ( 3 hrs )

Finished safety wiring Main Gear Brackets for Wheel Fairings. Determined .032" vs .041" wire is much easier with these smaller bolts, closely spaced. Started revision to Oil Cooler to add a 4" butterfly air valve to control oil temp in cold air. [I got a good deal on mine when a friend determined he couldn't use his]. Drilled .047" hole through the lever arm & rod of the valve, so I could "pin" the arm using .041" SS safety wire. This adds security since otherwise the arm is secured only by a small bolt clamping on the round rod. It wasn't easy drilling with this tiny diameter drill, but going very slowly worked - glad the parts are aluminum. Set the arm so it travels from -45 deg closed, to +45 deg open. Since I had not used F-14107 bracket to mount the Throttle, Prop, Mixture controls below the panel (instead mounted at bottom of IP, through the panel), it was available to create a much smaller bracket. After deburring, I mounted under panel to right & below the Mixture control. It's a straight path out the firewall hole, then large radius brings it to Oil Cooler valve control arm.