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.

Friday, October 13, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Frame Assembly ( 3 hrs )

Finished Steps 17 & 18 at Sect 38-16 for 3rd Support Frame at Splice and Intercostals. Then at Sect 38-17 Steps 1-5 final drilled as specified followed by riveting Close Out panel ( pattern helps minimize chance of twist). Checking frequently with level accurate to 0.1 degrees since NO TWIST is critical -- pleased LH vs RH side is staying matched at 7.6 degrees (ie 0.0 degrees delta !).

first sequence...center out to hinges

Next seqence required using wedge since tight spacing to hinge

forward Support Frame riveted.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Assembly ( 3 hrs )

Completed Steps 10 to 16 at Sect 38-16: Machine C'sunk Rail Base, then cleco'd on Canopy Frame Close Out panel. This really stiffened entire assembly due to box structure. Re-installed the 2 fixtures and determined perfect spacing - no forcing/flexing/adjusting needed. Blind riveted two Splices, then riveted 3rd Frame Flange. Opened Propeller packaging and confirmed in excellent condition - impressive as each end is encased in foam.

prior to adding Close Out panel

Close out panel added

1 of 2 Splices riveted

fixtures re-installed, then flipped over for pic

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Assembly ( 2 hrs )

Completed Step 8 & 9, Sect 38-16 riveting Skin to Rails and Understructure.

Per instructions, removed fixtures prior next steps.

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Finish Kit

Riveting Canopy Assembly ( 5 hrs )

Buffed, then Primed Canopy Skins, etc prior final assembly ( only buffed along rivet lines, leaving Alclad intact, saving time, paint and weight). Completed Steps 1-7, Sect 38-16 via first cleco'ing Canopy Assembly and 2 fixtures. Then riveted 2 of 3 Frames and Hinge Assemblies to Canopy Skin.
Also, Hartzell Propeller was delivered today via UPS. Packaging in excellent condition, and documents confirmed correct prop (ordered Aug 30 just prior closing special "Oshkosh" discount from Vans for bundled Lycoming engine and Hartzell prop).

cleco'd, ready to rivet

Hartzell Prop. Pkg on top is manual.

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Finish Kit

Machine Countersinking, etc ( 5 hrs )

Match drilled, then rivete Splice to Aft Frame Ass'lies at Steps 9-13, Sect 38-14. Machine C'Sunk Canopy Rail Ass'ly, Canopy Handles, and Fwd Canopy Rails...then dimpled Canopy Side Skins per Steps 1-4. Finally dimpled Canopy Skin and Support Flanges per Steps 5-7 in Sect 38-15. Ready to start final assembly of entire Canopy.

one of two Rails countersunk

plus Canopy Skin & Support Flanges dimpled (not shown)

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Finish Kit

Aft Canopy Frame Assembly ( 4 hrs )

Completed Steps 4-8, Sect 38-14 building Aft Canopy Frame Ass'ly. Match drilled, deburred, Primed frames, then riveted Handle Ass'ly. The C-01442C Aft Canopy Fixture is key to insuring alignment. Pleased with perfectly flat when done, and fits Retention Pins on Roll Bar.

after match drilling

fixture holds alignment

trial fit aligned with Roll Bar and Retention Pins
(prior match drilling)

after this pic, again checked alignment with Roll Bar

and Retention Pins...seems A-OK !

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Handle ( 3 hrs )

Back to shop after 17 day vacation to Colorado and Utah. Saw all 5 National Parks in Utah- awesome! Primed, then riveted Canopy Handle Ass'ly per Step 3 in Sect 38-14. Deburred Aft Canopy Frame starting Step 4. Also disassembled Canopy Ass'ly (per Step 12, Sect 38-13) so ready to deburr holes, and prime soon.