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 20, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Trim to Fit ( 4 hrs )

At Sect 38-21, Steps 8 & 9 marked then chamfered edge of Canopy along 3 inches at "point Oscar" in detail drawing. Then used fabricated 0.040" thick feeler gauge to locate additional areas along edge to trim/chamfer per Steps 1-4 at Sect 38-22. Many iterations of mounting Canopy on Frame, then marking again, and filing/sanding some more. Each time Nancy helped lift Canopy into position. Eventually achieved good fit along entire front edge and skin.

rotary drum sander works really well for initial passes

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy ( 4 hrs )

Per Sect 38-21, Steps 1-4 located template on Canopy Skin, then positioned Canopy onto Frame Ass'ly for 1st time. Worked Canopy into best fit alignment and marked centerline in Fwd and Aft areas. Then in Steps 5-7, marked Aft edge overhang. Heated garage to 75 deg to minimize chance of cracking. Removed Canopy and trimmed rear edge using dremel with drum sander (not enough to use cut off wheel) and lots of hand sanding...for couple hours. Ultimately smoothed edge w/ 400 grit followed by 600 grit sandpaper (smoother than edge as supplied).

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Frame onto Fuselage ( 3 hrs )

Hooray ! Completed Steps 1-7 at Sect 38-19 including bolting on Pin Blocks, riveting Brackets for Micro-switch, and adding 4 Alignment Blocks to Aft Frame. Lots of details, but went quickly. Nancy helped lift and guide Canopy Frame Ass'ly onto Fuselage via Hinge Pins. Per Steps 1-8 Sect 38-20. Perfect fit & alignment all around - very rewarding.

Monday, October 16, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Assembly ( 2 hrs )

Completed riveting Rail Assemblies, then riveted Aft Canopy Frame per Steps 2 & 3, Sect 38-18.

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Frame Assembly ( 4 hrs )

Completed riveting Close Out panel on Canopy Frame, Steps 6-10, Sect 38-17. Maintained 0.0 degree Twist ..whew ! At Sect 38-18, assembled LH and RH Rail Assemblies and Shim onto Canopy Frame, adding aft fixture. Riveted most before needing to call it a good day (variety of sizes and reach/clearance meant some trial and error to determine best tool, technique, etc. Patience paid off with good results)

since original grip was splitting, used
tennis racquet grip wrap on rivet gun. Sweet !

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