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.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Finish Kit

Bottom Cowl Closeout ( 2 hrs )

Riveted nutplates to Bottom Cowl Closeout after machine countersinking, priming and painting. Also sanded with 320 grit the exterior of Upper and Lower Intersection Fairings, smoothing the light coat of epoxy applied yesterday.

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Finish Kit

Intersection Fairings & Bottom Cowl Closeout ( 4 hrs )

Final sanded Wheel Fairing new fillets, after 2nd pass on one cured. Per Step 2, 46A-28, sanded inside Upper and Lower Intersection Fairings where they contact Leg Fairings, then applied light coating of epoxy. Clamped Bottom Cowl Closeout to mark position, then drilled dozen #19 holes. Started machine c'sinking rivet locations so I can add nutplates.

A lot of work, but turned out well. Sanded a
bit off perimeter Intersection Fairing to
allow for paint thickness later.

Really like how the fillet smooths transition.
(realized after pic - the front is not all the way down w/o screws)

done...cleaned up along separation line.

sanded interior where contacts Leg Fairing, coated w/ epoxy.
While at it, applied thin coat to exterior...will sand off most for
smooth finish (had several filled spots wanted to "harden")

After marking while installed on Fuse,
re-positioned to drill. Part way done
with #8 screws holding alignment

ready to add nutplates to alum Close Out

Monday, August 20, 2018

Finish Kit

Intersection Fairing ( 4 hrs )

Steps 7-11 at 46A-27: Sanded fillets smooth and flush to Intersection Fairings. One was A-OK, other needed 2nd pass. Very pleased with fit and appearance. Next two pages are instructions for installing Wheel Fairings and related Fairings after paint...which I'll eventually do. Skipped to start Bottom Cowl Closeout per 46A-30. Deburred FF0003A and -3B. Mounted with Cowl to begin marking position and holes to drill.

Sanded to flush w/ edge of Intersection Fairing.
Tape protects primer/filler on Wheel Fairing.

Tad Dah ! Really like how this worked.

Close up showing shape w/o Intersection Fairing

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Finish Kit

Lower Intersection Fairing ( 4 hrs )

Machine C'sunk Lower Intersection Fairings at ten holes per Step 1 at 46A-28. Sanded Wheel Fairing surface about 1.5" outside Lower Fairing to prep for epoxy/micro balloons fillet. Applied vinyl tape to edge each Lower Fairing, then slopped on thick mix creating fillet. Smoothed as much as practical to reduce sanding later. When partially cured to "rubbery" stage, cut slots along Fore/Aft split of Wheel Fairing. I used micro-balloons to make sanding easier, but still will be a lot of sanding.

Sanded w/ 80 grit where mix will be applied

Vinyl tape covers edge -- to sand down to,
but not through. I decided to c'sink screw
heads prior adding fillet, to make sanding easier
w/o screws above surface.

prior to cutting slots where Wheel Fairing separates

Friday, August 17, 2018

Finish Kit

Intersection Fairings ( 2 hrs )

Step 4 @ Sect 46A-26: added nutplates to Wheel Fairings for Lower Intersection Fairings. Took extra time to tweak holes to insure alignment maintained once nutplates installed.

prior to machine c'sinking screws

cut off remaining flange after pic..

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Finish Kit

Intersection Fairings ( 4 hrs )

Good news - the screws came out, and Lower Fairings separated. Per 46A-1& 2: Mounted Upper Fairings back onto Fuselage, drilled #27 holes and machine C'sunk 5 holes each (all while under Fuselage - seeing more of bottom of plane than top lately). Cut clearance for alum brake line in Leg Fairings to insure no rubbing/wear issue. Started riveting nutplates to Wheel Fairings to hold Lower Fairings per Steps 3 & 4. Wow...these Fairings sure do take some time. The Finish Kit total hours exceeds any other sub-kit significantly.

cut clearance to aluminum brake line...LH side

and RH side...

lots of time under fuselage. Selfie into bottom skin...

Machine C'sunk for screws while in place so
nutplates guide cutter

essentially done... whew !

adding nutplates to mount Lower Fairings onto Wheel Fairings

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Finish Kit

Intersection Fairings ( 4 hrs )

Removed all 4 Intersection Fairings ( yep, they didn't stick permanently! ). Ground off excess flox per Steps 6 at 46A-24. Completed Steps 1-4 at 46A-25 building lugs with resin/flox on Upper Fairing encapsulating MS21042-06 Nuts that will serve to keep aft ends tight.