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, March 12, 2017

Wings

LH Fuel Tank...Leak ? ( 2 hrs )

Removed 21 AN3 bolts along Spar to Tank, and 77 Screws along Skin perimeter. Supported tank until all removed. Remaining plywood was perfect "shelf" on Wing cradle to support the tank cradles. I used some thin, relatively soft epoxy stir sticks to assist Skin off of dimples. It was easier than I'd imagined (hope relatively easy to re-install...gulp!).

After thorough inspection with very soapy bubbles, I cannot find a leak ! Expected at either outboard end Rib, or along Z Brackets. NONE anywhere - I even re-checked all the surface top and bottom rivets, and at fuel cap. Yet the balloon slowly lost pressure over 5 hrs. Atmospheric pressure was holding steady, and the room temp was stable. When I checked the RH tanks more than a month ago, the balloon held pressure for 2-3 times longer ( I essentially could detect no loss of balloon size). I'll call Van's builder support Monday to explore next step....?

NO LEAKS !

clear tape over fuel cap

after 5 hrs... not totally deflated, but almost.

Saturday, March 11, 2017

Wings

LH Fuel Tank ...Leak ? (1 hr )

Fabricated cradles for LH Fuel Tank removal ...used plywood from Van's empennage shipping crate. Started removing some screws and bolts.

Friday, March 10, 2017

Wings

RH Wing Skin ( 3 hrs )

Finished last 22 rivets on RH Bottom Outboard Skin. Cleaned off markings. Reinstalled aileron pushrods and torqued. Discovered forgot to add 8 nutplates to the 2 access openings - good thing easy to do after skin was riveted on ! Section 20 is now done. Also prepped for removal of LH fuel tank so I can identify and fix small leak.

inside Pic to insure aileron trim servo springs are still correct.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Wings

RH Bottom Outboard Skin ( 2 hrs )

Nearly finished RH Bottom Skin - only 22 more rivets along Main Spar remaining. Certainly satisfying to see how good this is turning out.

Took a selfie...who's the old guy ?

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Wings

RH Lower Outboard Skin ( 3 hrs )

Nancy assisted again with RH Bottom Outboard Skin rivets - this time we did 165 in 3 hrs. I can do the remainder alone, too.

Monday, March 6, 2017

Wings

RH Wing Bottom Skin ( 4 hrs )

Returned from whole month of February in Arizona and California. Back to building ! Lengthened 2 wires to AP Servo Harness at outboard installation location that were several inches shorter than all others in harness by splicing in needed length. These were in the way to access the servo and aileron bellcrank. See Sect 19-06. Used ES320559 Butt Splices with #22 wire for C1034 (wht) and C1035 (wht) wires (these connect to molex at Aileron Trim Servo...for feedback). Now they're bundled with all other wires in vicinity, providing better access to AP Servo.

Nancy assisted as 'Rosie the Riveter' again for the RH Bottom Outboard Skin W00005-R. She's getting really good, too. Good progress considering starting with longest reach to Rear Spar, and around Flap hinge bracket. Only 80 done, but faster than 1st time on LH Wing!

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Wings

LH Wing Bottom Skin ( 3 hrs )

Reference Sect 20-04 & -05. Finished last 11 rivets for LH Bottom Skin when Nancy available to assist again. She's now an accomplished riveter ! For RH Bottom Skin, I deburred all holes, and dimpled 16 of the #19 holes for nutplates at the Access openings, then dimpled all the #40 holes. Cleco'd to RH Wing...ready to start riveting.

LH Wing Bottom Skin done. Yay !
Installed cover to Stall Warning access

RH Wing cleco'd ...ready to start riveting.