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.

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Wings

Started Aileron Actuation ( 4hrs )

Finished RH Wing Gap Fairing rivets. Started Sect 23 Aileron Actuation by unwrapping LH & RH Ailerons (part of QB Wings "kit"). Temporarily mounted LH Aileron to Wing...mostly to have out of the way while I worked on pushrods. Fabricated two CS00012 Torque Tubes to 64.25" lengths per Step 1 in 23-03.

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Wings

RH Wing Gap Fairing cont'd (2 hrs )

Riveting Gap Fairing with wing in cradle. Great fit, and impressed how straight the trailing edge is on both wings.

Meanwhile, inflated balloon to monitor for leak
(after new sealant applied several days prior)

Friday, December 23, 2016

Wings

RH Wing Gap Fairing ( 4 hrs )

Finished LH Wing Gap Fairing, and started RH. Repeat of deburr, dimple...and rivet. Inerted six CR3212 -4-6 rivets before calling it a day...

LH Gap Fairing completed

Good progress on RH Gap Fairing

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Wings

Continued riveting Gap Fairings LH Wing (1 hr )

Continued riveting Gap Fairing LH Wing. Most can use Main Squeeze from Cleaveland Tools. Quit early to go flying with wife - finally some decent VFR weather.

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.