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, June 16, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 3 hrs)

Sect 10-14; routed Aft Fuselage Harness & Phone Cable along F01486A-L J-Stiffener. Challenging to insure correct cable leads are routed appropriately, per diagrams in 10-25 and 10-26.

Need helper to position RH Skin onto assembly, so worked ahead on 10-15 Aft Bottom Skin: Used band-saw to remove extra material both sides, "sanding" flush to line with belt sander. Then deburred all edges & holes, drilled larger diameter holes, and finally dimpled #40 holes. Ready to prime and rivet next.

Trimmed pieces (scrap). Cleco'd rearmost bulkhead as test fit...A-OK.

Monday, June 13, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 2 hrs )

Sect 10-14, Steps 8-9 completed after first priming all 4 of the long J-Stiffeners. My brother-in-law, Rex was great help aligning and cleco'ing the LH Side Skin onto the Aft Fuselage Assembly. Lots of clecos, but fit up was really good. Ready to run the wiring, etc.

Rex after we flipped the assembly over.

A new builder is born...?

My wife Nancy with her brother Rex. Thanks for the help!

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage (1.5 hrs )

Finished dimpling LH Side Skin.

Sect 10-14 Steps 5-7 completed adding LH side J-Stiffeners and c-channel Longeron. Cleco'd F1410 & F1411 Bulkheads. Ready to add LH Side Skin, but need to lay couple wires first on one of the J Stiffeners (apparently better now, vs after Side Skin added).

I'll prime the J-Stiffeners prior final assembly...

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage (2.5 hrs )

LH Side Skin...repeat. 1st "break" edges with edge forming tool (rollers) , then deburr edges, then deburr all holes. Dimple #27 (6 holes), #30 holes (few exceptions), and all #40 holes. But only partly done since beautiful day @ 75, clear sky with low humidity = perfect to take Harley for cruise in afternoon.

Above pic shows inside curved skin, requiring reduced diameter female die. Still leaves marks, but no "dings". Didn't get to polished finish on die surface. Requires continuously monitoring alignment so die "nests" in the curve with sides modified, and holding skin at appropriate angle.

Monday, June 6, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 3.5 hrs )

Sect 10-14, Step 1 & 2 - dimple RH Side Skin, after deburring all holes and edges. Switched to "sanding" edges for these extra large pieces (vs holding and guiding along grinder, or using air drill with smaller Scotchbrite wheel. Also, I first put in the edge "breaks" per instructions using Cleaveland's roller tool. Planning repeat for LH Side Skin tomorrow.

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 3 hrs )

Nancy was a huge help today as we Back Riveted the Aft Fuse skin to J-Stiffeners, 2 Bulkheads, and the Bellcrank Rib Assembly. Yeah ! Sect 10-13, Step 6 now done. The Bellcrank Rib Assly required switching to Flush Rivet set from outside, w/ Nancy holding titanium bucking bar inside (all done while Aft Fuselage is upside down...so bulkheads "hang" down). For those rivets, my Back Rivet tool couldn't be aligned straight - needed an extra long version apparently.

But much of the Aft Fuse was Back Riveted with Nancy holding the new round bucking bar while I took my turn riveting from underneath "upside down". Whew...glad this is done.

Friday, June 3, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 3 hrs )

Finished machine countersinks on longeron per Sect 10-14, plus dimpled other J-Stiffeners. Back to scuffing, cleaning w/ acetone and spraying 7220 Primer. Time consuming, but progress. New Back Rivet Bucking Bar from Cleaveland Aircraft Tools delivered today (also Static Air Kit to replace Van's "cheaper" version). Planning Saturday to rivet Aft Fuselage Bottom Skin, Bulkheads, etc with my wife's assistance.