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, April 9, 2017

Wings

Exchange of Wings & Fuselage ( 2 hrs )

Moving day: time to exchange Wings from garage/shop with QB Fuselage in basement (fortunately a walk out basement with sliding door that can be removed). Instead of gathering a small army to carry my QB Fuselage from my basement around the house into the shop, I bought a Harbor Freight 4'x2' flat deck "wagon" (bargain at $79). Added a 5'x3' plywood sheet & covered with a heavy rug. This worked out really well..."easy peasy"! Nancy helped significantly, so the 2 of us were able to make the move. Bringing the Wings through the yard (soft from recent rains) was the most work, but we made it !

sliding doors re-installed. Next to Empennage tail cone/fuselage

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Wings

LH Landing Light Lens ( 2 hrs )

Finished LH Lens. Left a greater margin at perimeter, approx 1/2" instead of 1/4". Fits great. Sanded edges to smooth finish using 400 grit, including rounding. Very surprised as I was finishing up to see 2 very small cracks starting at edge - so quickly stop drilled and chamfered. I had noticed the Backing Plates had moderate "bow" (whereas those on RH Lens sat flat onto Lens), so maybe once tightened they may have induced stress along edges. RATS ! Hoping stop drilling will prevent major cracks from developing - or I'll have a "do over" in future. Otherwise, I'm "done" with Wings. Ta Dah ! Time to exchange the QB Fuselage from basement with Wings.

I left the tape on as I installed this time. Removed tape after removing Lens.

@#$%&! ( i.e. Drat ! ) Couple cracks started soon after I
re-inserted screws to hold backing plates while double sided tape "set".
Maybe stop drilling will save the Lens

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Wings

RH Landing Light Lens ( 3 hrs )

Completed RH Lens trial fit after machine CS Lens and dimpling skin for #6 screws. Applied VHB double sided tape (same as used for TE on Elev and Rudder) to hold Backing strips/nutplates. Good fit (whew - no cracks or scratches ...another hurdle !) so on to LH Lens. Cut off excess and immediately covered with masking tape to protect. Sanded edges smooth - ready to drill tomorrow.

LH Lens started...

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Wings

Magnetometer Mount, Landing Light Lens ( 3 hrs )

Double flush riveted Magnetometer Mount for Garmin GMU22. Even with deeper machine CS on shop end, still required light filing to get flush. Very pleased when slid into receptacle in LH Wing with snug fit - no UHMW tape needed as option suggested in instructions if loose. Returned to Sect 17-09 Steps 1-5 for Landing Light Lens in RH Wing. More cutting Plexiglass - thicker than Tip Lens, so takes longer with dremel/cutoff wheel. Good instructions, including covering with masking tape. Less concern with scratching Lens. Positioned and drilled 8 #30 holes with plasti - drill. Enlarged using Uni-bit at 5/32 (slightly oversized vs recommended #27 drill). Note: Uni-bit recommended by Vans at Sect 5.19 general instructions - works great on plastic to enlarge holes, and chamfer edge of hole too.

Monday, April 3, 2017

Wings

RH Tip Lens completed, Magnetometer Mount ( 2 hrs )

Just 15 min to complete riveting on the 2 nutplates and re-install RH Tip Lens. Very pleased with fit. Done with Sect 24. Started Sect 62: Garmin Magnetometer Mount Kit ( slides in ADHARS Mount Assembly in LH Wing ), used to install Garmin GMU 22. Deburred edges and holes, CS both sides for the double flush rivets and primed.

Holes were 1/8" too close to sides to use Microgage with countersink. But a 12" extension was used by simply taping the CS into the female hex end. Good fit! Worked fine...just proceeded slowly and CHECKED often to avoid going too deep.

Sunday, April 2, 2017

Wings

RH Tip Lens ( 2 hrs )

Actual Final final sanding to fit took more than 1 hr today. But I do like the fit. Drilled all the holes ( 1/8" followed by 5/32" - both plastic drills from Cleaveland Tools ). I chamfered top and bottom surface prior to enlarging holes per VAF recommendations to minimize cracking as drill penetrates the breaks through. CS to fit screw and TA-DAH ! #2 Lens is "done". Rivet on nutplates next.

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Wings

RH Tip Lens ( 2 hrs )
Repeat for RH Lens. Trim, Trim, and Trim some more. Then sand to get final fit. Time consuming, but I like the outcome. Used painters tape to protect Lens better during handling this time.