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.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Wings

Gap Fairings on LH Wing (3 hrs )

Cont'd Sect 20-02 Steps 1-5 for LH Wing: install Gap Fairings. Shifted to these while tank sealant cures from yesterday. Final Drill #40 & #30 holes (ie reamed). Theirs a lot for relatively small pieces (narrow, full length wings). Deburred all edges and holes. Dimpled per plans. Fits perfect...partially riveted. More tomorrow.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Wings

Misc...tanks, etc (3 hrs )

Leak test LH Wing Fuel Tank, and discovered 1 leak at inboard corner. None along wing surfaces, including at fuel cap...or any of the fittings I've installed.

I decided to test LH tank now, since I was getting ready to mix ProSeal for installing the RH Wing's Fuel Level Sensor. So...able to "patch" this leak with extra sealant. Also applied sealant to several inboard corners on Right tank that looked "iffy" (might as well since going in trash otherwise)

RH tank with level sensor installed. Added sealant to 6 corner locations, too.

Installed RH Fuel Level Sensor, and checked "up" position. Measured 32 ohms, so matched uninstalled resistance at this end of travel. Need to flip wing over to confirm other direction. Note: I checked prior to final installation with a string tied next to float routed through drain opening...32 to 249 ohms confirmed full travel. Installed VA261 and Plug. I need to wait couple days for ProSeal to cure before air tests for both tanks.

Painted RH Landing Light inside area black.

Cleck'od Flap and Aileron Gap fillers to LH Wing - perfect fit.

Monday, December 19, 2016

Wings

Misc ( 3 hrs )

Riveted Landing Light mount bracket nto RH Wing. Added 12 SB500-6 to LH Wing (larger so can route AOA air line with heater wires in one route, and Pitot air lines in other route...including WH00012 ADAHARS harness wires for inboard 3 ribs.

Attached ground wires at LH & RH outboard Ribs. Bent RH Fuel Level Sensor -- took several trials to tweak for full up and down travel of 32 ohms to 249 ohms...between outboard next rib, vent line, etc. Prefer Vans instructions accounted for clearances needed, especially for QB since no easy way to inspect (requires using my endoscope)

View via endoscope.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Wings

Wrapping up std wiring in Wings ( 3 hrs )

Replaced 1 ES00046 Molex micro fit female pin (damaged as rec'd) at CJ406J (prior to labeling, this started as ES00045 Molex Receptacle ) in the AP Servo Harness. Connected Q427 wire to Fuel Level Sensor with ring terminal crimped on. My wife helped me switch LH Wing and RH Wing from table to cradle...time to work on right wing horizontally. Riveted VA146 bearing into Tank Attach Ass'ly, at 19-04 Step 5 and Fig 2. Tie wrapped wiring harnesses along entire LH wing since easier to do while in cradle.

Again, anywhere near bolt heads on spar, I applied either lightweight split conduit, or flat spiral wrap for added protection, retained in position by wire ties at ends.

Friday, December 16, 2016

Wings

Wiring details ( 1 hr )

Crimped ES DV18-188M to W401 wire and connected to Stall Warning switch inside wing.

Installed both LH and RH outboard Wing Tip Lighting Harness Connectors. Crimped Ring Terminal to ground wire.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Wings

More Wiring in Right Wing ( 3 hrs )

AP Servo Harness at 19-05 & -06 completed: inserted 12 pins into C407P connector for outboard AP termination. Tie wrapped WH00011 & WH00013 harnesses along routing. In any location harness was close to bolt heads on spar, added either flat spiral wrap or split plastic conduit for protection.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Wings

Wiring ( 3 hrs )

Removed 14 SB437-4 snap bushings in ribs 1-7 in LH Wing so I could enlarge holes to 1/2" to install SB500-6 larger bushings. Now I can route extra air line for AOA, along with it's heater wires. Used a new 12" extension & new Uni-bit (max size 1/2") This allowed me to drill several ribs at once, reaching inner most rib. Thanks to Jared Solomon for his build log showing how to do this ! Deburred each hole - some hard to reach w/ deburr tool.

New 12" extension and 1/2" uni-bit. Did 4 ribs from inboard

Back other direction, 3 ribs. Success !

Installed WH00012 ADAHARS harness. This included W401 for the Stall Warning switch - routed along with WH00011 harness - the "7th wire". It was relatively easy now with the undersized SB removed...success !

For Right Wing, I routed WH00013 AP Servo harness. That's a lot of wires along same path as WH00011 in this side. Got 'er done, but need to replace one tiny Molex crimped connector that was deformed (of course its on only wire that is borderline short !)