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.

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Finish Kit (...and others for Final Assembly)

Nav Lights, Pitch Trim calibrated ( 3 hrs )

Back to diagnosing Nav Lights.  Tried Strobe Lights switch (1st time with Wing Tips installed with Nav Lights)...and Yay!  they work.  So Nav Lights must be grounded.  But still no Nav Lights. Decided to focus on Nav Light  Switch in panel, so checked resistance to confirm Open and Closed positions.  Checked volts across terminals with power on, switch off and on.  Sent email with results to Stein Air - and decided to start G3X in Config mode so I could calibrate Pitch Trim.  Whoa...!  the Nav Lights came ON as Config started up.   I realized I'd left Nav Light switch in ON position.  Since G3X has no interaction with Nav Lights (not using GAD27, GEA24 discretes, etc) the only logic I can determine is somewhere a loose pin, or loose crimp suddenly decided to cooperate.   I checked a few more times, and each time I turned on Master switch, the Nav Lights turned ON and Off as expected.  AND the green is on right side, red is on left side.  I did not disconnect/re-connect anything...maybe a terminal at the switch is loose where I was probing with voltmeter ?   I'll do more checking tomorrow.  Now its time to celebrate.    I also calibrated Pitch Trim for neutral, full Up, and full Down positions.  Need to confirm much less "Down" travel than "Up". [ note from future:  Vans build support confirmed pitch trim is designed with much more Up, than Down.  A-OK]

  • Up               .002 v
  • Neutral      4.139 v
  • Down        5.021 v
    Nav Light switch...at least access is relatively easy with
    Canopy open