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, March 9, 2016

Empennage

Horiz Stab (4.5 hrs)

Sec 8-5   Step 1:  Rivet Front Spar, Doubler, and Caps (2).    Requires 5 different rivet types/sizes, so needed to follow the diagram explicitly.    Again, Main Squeeze works great, although arms get tired after this many 1/8 in rivets.

My woodworking clamps make great stands for the Spar while riveting.  
 

Step 2:  Finished the Spar with 9 rivets on top flange at middle in Countersunk holes, and 9 more on bottom flange.

Sec 8-6,   Step1:  Deburr Nose Ribs, Inpar Ribs.  20 total.   All edges including lightening holes take some time.  Good time to listen to some comedy podcasts !



Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Empennage

Horiz Stab (3.5 hrs)

Sec 8-4, steps 2 - 7:   For Doubler on Front Spar, Final Drill all the #30 holes, then  C.S the 12 specified holes.   With top and bottom Caps cleco'd, also CS the middle 9 holes on flanges.

Disassembled all parts to deburr all the holes (lots !)  Buffed the parts with 3M Scotchbrite, then cleaned with Acetone.   I was actually able to prime outside, since temp was unusually warm  (74 degrees ) for early March in central Illinois.   Nice to not have to set up and use the spray booth.

Ready to re-assemble and rivet per Sec 8-5.
Prior disassembly to scuff and prime....

Empennage

Mar 7, Mon

Horiz Stab (3.5hrs)

Sect 8-4:  Started Front Spar build with deburring all edges, including lightening holes.  Clamped Spar Caps precisely, drilled #30 holes & deburred.  Re-assembled again with clecos so could drill #40 holes on flanges.  Time consuming process.   Per instructions, completed for top Cap, then repeated process for bottom Cap.

Note significant filings from using deburr tool on edges.

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Empennage

Mar 5, 2016

Horiz Stab  (4.0hrs)

Sect 8-2:  Steps 7-8.    Clean  doubler with acetone, then primed.    After drying, riveted to Rear Spar with AD470 4-6 rivets (36 of them !)   The Main Squeeze makes quick work of these rivets, but my arm was getting a little tired.    Pic below still has blue marks indicating where NOT to rivet at this time.


Sect 8-3:  Steps 1 & 2:  Drill, deburr, and rivet (6) the inboard hinge assembly with flange bearing captured between.    Jumped ahead to this page while waiting for primer to dry on doubler.
Sect 8-2:  Step 9:  Riveted 4 pairs of hinge brackets to spar.   (out of sequence, since I did these while waiting for primer to dry fully).

 Sect 8-3: Step 3.  Bolted inboard hinge to spar and doubler.   Used 28 in-lbs plus 14 in-lbs (friction drag for lock nut) per Sect 5-20 in manual.
Step 8-3:  Step 4:  Prep 2 Front Spar Caps and 2 Stingers for the Forward Spar.    Involves cutting off ends at angle, grinding to smooth finish, and deburring all edges.   Got into a rhythm so I felt a bit like a robot doing these edges.   Not pictured...



Friday, March 4, 2016

Empennage

Horizontal Stab  (2hrs)

Steps 5-7 completed.  Countersunk 2 holes that will be under center hinge brackets.  Used microstop with #30 CS bit.   Being cautious to not go too deep, I proceeded in small steps until just right depth.

Final Drill #12 holes in brackets.   Then deburred all holes and scuffed parts to be primed....tomorrow.

Empennage

March 3, Thurs.    (I'm back in shop after enjoying a month soaking up sunshine in Arizona !)

Horizontal Stab (3hrs)

Sec.  8 -02   Start of Horizontal Stab build.    Steps 1-4 done for Rear Spar with doubler and  hinge brackets (4 pairs).  I did the doubler for front spar while I was at it, too.    Lots of deburring edges (along 9ft + spar !) including all the lightening holes.   Small diameter 3M Cut and Polish wheel (1") in air drill made quick work of the holes.  A groove worn into wheel aids in slightly rounding the edges, too.

Final Drilled holes (reaming) in for doubler to spar rivets, and spar to brackets.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Empennage

Rudder (no time to record )

Photo Op:   Vertical Stab and Rudder...