Steevo's RV14a Build Log

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.

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Empennage

Jan 7, 2016 (catching up in new builder's blog)

Vertical Stab (3.5 hrs )

Sec 6-4 Step 6 Rivet Rear spar & hinges. Great to see parts coming together. Lots of different length and style rivets, but instructions are clear. Surprised how much "grunt" takes to use Main Squeeze on the 1/8 inch rivets. Lots of rivets, so got good exercise in arms.

Applying primer only to surfaces "scratched" during processing. Trying to avoid excessive weight. Some areas only receive light coat if Alclad is not been scratched.

Hole left open for Sec 10-05, 10-28, & 11-07.

Tape over some holes is temporary - until assembly with skin.

Sec 6-5 Step 1. Assembled Front Spar. (no pics) This simple step is challenging due to access to the rivets at angled flanges. Worked through different set ups for each "joint" to enable proper access.

Empennage

Jan 6, 2016 (catching up in new builder's log)

Vertical Stab (5 hrs)

Sec 6-4 Step 4 & 5. Dimpled #40 holes in flanges of skeleton (ribs and spars). Used Main Squeeze tool. Set up drill press to use Micro Stop CS tool for #30 holes on Rear Spar doubler. No pictures...but worked great.

Really careful to understand front and rear faces for dimple directions on Rear Spar (so will be flush facing forward !)

Prepped parts for priming by final scuffing, then clean thoroughly with Acetone. Using good respirator - can't even smell the acetone or primer.

Empennage

Jan 5, 2016 (catching up in new builder's log)

Vertical Stab (5.5 hrs)

Sec 6-4 Step 4. Disassemble skin and skeleton to deburr, then scotchbrite, then dimple to be followed last by priming parts.

Note: Contacted Van's tech support to clarify OK to Prime after Dimple if preferred (vs Dimple after Prime. Concern was dimple process could "scratch" primed surfaces). Also easier to scuff parts prior to dimpling to avoid need to scuff inside countersunk holes.

This established DDSDAP steps: Drill, Deburr, Scotchbrite, Dimple, Acetone clean, and finally Prime.

C Frame reached all holes on skin. Care to not overbend leading edge.

trial fit flush rivet.

Some holes taped to leave to later processing for fairing attachment.

Cleaned with Acetone. Too late and tired to prime, since needed final touches on new spray booth.

Empennage / Shop Set Up

Jan 3, 2016 (catching up in new builder's log)

Build temporary/portable spray booth (5 hrs)

Needed spray booth to do priming of interior parts. Too cold in winter in central Illinois to do outside, but with self-etching primer, really necessary to evacuate air. Designed to fit into one of twin "man doors" in south wall of garage.

Built with hinges at all joints so can simply fold up both and store against nearby wall. Used inexpensive 1x2's, 4mil visqueen (sp?), and lots of staples. Installed 20 inch box fan to evacuate.
In middle, used old fencing section to hang misc components.

Works great !

Prior to installing fan at door, etc.

Inital test to try "folding" against wall.

1st parts ready to prime

Initial prime coat

Empennage

Jan 4, 2016 (catching up in new builder's log)

Vertical Stab (3.5 hrs)

Sec 6-4 Steps 1, 2 & 3: Cleco skin around skeleton after adjusting VS 706 & VS 705 fit leading edge.

Per prior day, referencing Sec 6-3, I did couple iterations w/ caution to NOT remove too much material near rib web or holes.

As noted in prior day's log, Van's tech support confirmed this much removal is typical.

Final drill (using reamer) #40 all holes , except Match drill #40 four holes per instructions at nose and tip ribs.

Empennage

Jan 2, 2016 (catching up in new builder's log)

Vertical Stab (2.5 hrs)

Sec 6-3: Rear Spar drill, deburr. Used fluting pliers to slightly straighten VS 704 rib.

At step 5, I used scotchbite wheel to "radius" forward ends of Nose and Tip ribs…as described in Sec 5.2.

Note: Next day I repeated...Later, per note/instructions at beginning of Sec 6-4 to not force fit skin around skeleton, I had to repeat process more aggressively. Van's tech support confirmed this much removal is typical.

Empennage

Jan 1, 2016 (catching up in new builder's log)

Vertical Stab (0.5 hrs)

Vertical Stab Sec 6-2: Rivet Front Spar & Doubler. After primer dried for 24 hrs.