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, May 18, 2017

Fuselage

Brake Pedal Pads ( 3 hrs )

Brake Pedal Pad build started per Steps 1-3 at Sect 33-02. Required couple hours just grinding and smoothing edges after cutting apart. Pre-assembled one, just to check it out. Neat design. But lots of lightening holes that I've just begun to deburr.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Fuselage

Baggage Floors ( 5 hrs )

Finished dimpling, then scuffed all surfaces, cleaned with acetone, then primed with Napa 7220 Self Etching Primer. Added nutplates per Steps 3 & 4 at Sect 32-04. Also completed Step 1, Sect 32-05: 2 locations require dimples so blind rivets can be flush adjacent to Seat Back Hinges...seems should have been called out on prior page with other dimples. But I needed C-Frame to reach these anyway.

scuffed, ready to clean and prime

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Fuselage

Baggage Floor ( 5 hrs )

Finished Step 5 for Seat Back Hinges. Then deburred edges and holes for LH & RH Baggage Floors at Steps 1 & 2, Sect 32-04. Started dimpling around perimeter. These floors have a lot going on...

Tempting to only install rearmost position for Seat Back, since Nancy and I are tall, but best to enable optional seating positions.

Monday, May 15, 2017

Fuselage

Baggage Floor ( 2 hrs )

With my wife Nancy traveling all this week (aka Rosie the Riveter), I'm working several sections to prep parts for later installation. Started Baggage Area, Sect 32. Completed Sect 32-02 Steps 1 & 2 Outboard UHMW Bushings for Flap Control Rods. Worked well to use my table saw to trim to size, since this tough material doesn't sand well. Started on six special Hinges for Seat Backs per Sect 32-03 Steps 1-4.

Saturday, May 13, 2017

Fuselage

Aft to Forward Riveting ( 3 hrs )

Nancy (aka Rosie the Riveter) helped rivet per Steps 1-5 at Sect 30-07 for Aft Fuse Top Side Rivets. While I bucked, she took over the rivet gun. Most of the time, we were using step stools to enable access - some are quite a reach (around back of bulkheads especially). The Shoulder Harness Lug is now secured, and the Longerons joining Aft to Forward also.

These were challenging to reach behind bulkhead toward top of fuselage.

The top rivets are done. Next lower sides and underneath per Sect 30-08.

Friday, May 12, 2017

Fuselage

Aft to Forward Fuselage riveting ( 3 hrs )

After countersinking 7 holes in each Lug, I primed then riveted bracket to main Lug per Steps 1-3 Sect 30-06. Cleco'd into Aft Fuse and Bulkhead. Started riveting with Nancy's assistance at top center Bulkhead and Shoulder Harness Lugs. Combinations of 470 Universal Head and 426 Flush Head rivets kept us checking and re-checking drawings. Had to remove one 470 so the correct 426 could be installed. Oops. Steps 6 & & done Sect 30-06. Beautiful Spring weather stopped shop work - time a joy ride on my Harley !

reflection in Aft Fuselage skin - not primed (Alclad)

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Fuselage

Bulkheads installed ( 4 hrs )

Completed Step 4 at Sect 30-02 adding 22 nutplates to 3 Bulkheads. Installed Bulkheads per Sect 30-04 Steps 1-5. Everything aligned with minimal effort so satisfying to add clecos. Even the radiused lower corners of the Forward Fuse pulled in to align with floor Ribs. I can see many rivets are gonna be challenging to reach and use rivet gun/bucking bar.

nutplates added. Had to be creative to access those
close to the curved flange, but got 'em done.