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.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Finish Kit

Seat Back riveting ( 4 hrs )

Good progress and "fun" riveting today per Sect 38-03, -04, & -05. Nearly done with Seat Back Assemblies.

Brace in foreground is done.

backside. Used Main Squeeze, and rivet gun

Monday, November 27, 2017

Finish Kit

Seat Backs ( 4 hrs )

Finish match drilling hinges, then buffed with Scotchbrite all parts. Cleaned with acetone, and primed with Napa 7220 (as usual). Rushed to do in outdoor "spray booth" since a nice sunny day - warmer than typical for late Nov. in central Illinois.

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Finish Kit

Seat Backs ( 4 hrs )

Sanded feathered edge of Canopy Fairing along recently added micro/epoxy. Waiting to discuss sandable primer selection with exterior painter at Byerly Aviation (to confirm compatibility). Deburred more parts for Seat Backs per Sect 39-02 Steps 1-6 and 39-03 Steps 1-7. Includes creating Hinge sections for Seat Back and Brace. Also created Brace Stiffeners at Steps 8-9 with C'sinking for flush rivets.

Friday, November 24, 2017

Finish Kit

Seat Backs ( 3 hrs )

Prepared to prime Canopy Fairing by taping along Aft edge, and ahead of feathered area along Fwd edge. Decided to mix another batch micro/epoxy to improve feathering in a couple areas (fingertips could detect slight transition between alum skin and Fairing). Delayed 1st coat of Primer. While curing I started Sect 39 - Seat Backs by deburring holes and edges. Nice to be building again vs sanding. Also cut seals to fit Hinge Covers per Steps 4-7 in Sect 38-36.

gathering most parts for Seat Backs

added foam seal to Hinge Covers

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Fairing ( 3 hrs )

Sanded over Aft edge of vinyl tape to reduce epoxy layer. Difficult to determine if epoxy or vinyl as sanding, but eventually tape begins to shred if too far. I found difficult to remove, but did result in good edge. Also sanded Canopy Emergency Jettison Handle at revised weld. I had a weld shop rotate handle 90 degrees ( will be vertical on panel, clearing a Garmin G5 left of center). I used extra microballoon/resin mix over weld to gain a smooth blend.

Feathered Fwd edge, and now only 1 layer tape on Aft edge.

Nancy admiring sunset as we're putting Cesna back
in hangar today.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Fairing ( 4 hrs )

After celebrating an early Thanksgiving with family -- back to Canopy Fairing sanding. Applied microballoon & epoxy resin into pinholes and low area using squeegee to spread thin so minimal sanding. While curing, built two extra Hinge Covers per 38-35 Steps 7- 15. Added thicker slurry resin & microballoons to fill Hinge Seal voids per 38-36, Steps 1 - 3. Installed ES00306 Micro Switch for Canopy Unlocked warning per 38-32, Step 1. Installed Rear Seal along rear edge per Step 1 at Sect 38-33.

Additional Hinge Covers. See Nov 3 posting
for build process of 1st pair

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Finish Kit

Sanding Canopy Fairing ( 1 hr )

Sanded top coat resin to identify remaining low area ( ie shiny since not sanded). Including several pin holes. Another round of filler needed before primer can be applied.