Steevo's RV14a Build Log: 01/29/19

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, January 29, 2019

Avionics - Nav and Tail Lights

Tail Light installation ( 2 hrs )

Preparing to install Tail Light per OP56, I discovered this Suntail #LN-201-1 included Molex 5 pin connector. But I only needed a 4 pin. So I switched the unused Molex 4 pin connectors supplied with the Nav Light LN-201-1 to the Tail Light, and used the 5 pin connector for the RH Wingtip Nav Light (only 1, but better than none - see Jan 28 log). Assembled the 4 pin Molex for L1082 coming from aft fuselage (part of WH00057 harness). [ note: WH00057 harness already had female pins crimped - opposite of how Vans instructions showed. Simply reversed connector and pins] Crimped male pins/assembled 4 pin Molex to Tail Light. Attached to Rudder Bottom Fairing w/ 4-40 screws (strangely, Vans did not provide these screws in kit)

Switched 5 pin from Suntail so at least 1 Wing Tip -Nav Light
has a connector that matches the connector in Wing Harness

WH00057 harness from fuselage: crimped on ring terminal for ground wire, and 4 pin connector with female pins

Tail Light with male 4 pin Molex

Suntail LN-201-1 Tail Light
installed. Note drain hole
oriented toward bottom.