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 1, 2017

Wings

Bellcrank to Aileron Pushrods ( 3 hrs )

Happy New Year ! One year since started actual building...and come a long way, with a LOT yet to do... Started Section - page 23-04: Bellcrank to Aileron Pushrods by cutting one 48" steel tube to 21.375" lengths. Lots of drilling using drill press - first #40 holes, then inserted male rod ends to match drill #30 holes. Needed to use drill press with file to "turn" down rod end in order to fit into tubes...still tight, but used rod end bearing screwed on as "handle". Deburred and ready to clean so I can prime inside of tubes before riveting. Think I'm going to use shotgun cleaning rod to reach all the way.

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Wings

Completed Aileron Torque Tube to Bellcrank Pushrods (1 hr )

Completed six rivets each per 4 Rod Ends. Final touch up primer applied to bare spots where tape covered orientation marks. Looks Great ! Onto 23-04...

Friday, December 30, 2016

Wings

Aileron Actuation ( 4 hrs )

Used Template and Center Punch to designate 6 holes at ends of each tube. Included VA-111 Threaded Rod End in place (4x) so would be drilled simultaneously. Drilled #40 followed by #30 using clecos to hold positions. Deburred, cleaned with acetone, and primed. Taped over alignment marks to enable correct re-assembly. Plan touch up at those small areas with primer after riveting.

Used rod end bearing as "handles" to install rod ends.

Ready to rivet, then touch up label zones.

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.