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.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 1.5 hrs )

Dimpled RH Top Side Skin, then mounted to Aft Fuse via cleco's. Ready to rivet !

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 3 hrs )

Nancy again helped finish rivets along 3 bulkheads for LH Top Skin.

Then I started RH Top Skin prep by deburring all holes, and edges (sanded first with 180, then 400 grit. For some of the rougher edges, I use a large file to smooth first ). Also rolled edges (ie "break" edges to insure lay tight onto overlapped skin.

Saturday, July 16, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 1 hrs )

Again my wife helped me during riveting of LH Top Side Skin onto Aft Fuselage along longeron - she used tungsten bucking bar inside while I used flush set in rivet gun. Turned out great. Beautiful weather, so we quit to go ride our Harley (about 78 degrees, low humidity...unusually "mild" for this time of year)

Staged this pic, because she was on other side holding bucking bar actually.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Empennage

Pic from Van's of kit pieces (taildragger version shown)

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage (3.5 hrs )

Prepared LH Top Side Skin by rolling edges (ie putting slight break along edge), then deburring edges and all holes. Dimpled #30 and #40 holes ( a few exceptions ). Decided to work through attaching LH side before starting on RH side - mostly to preserve space on shop tables.

Monday, July 11, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 3 hrs )

Scuffed, Cleaned w/ Acetone, and Primed with 7220. Then back riveted 3 pieces onto Top Skin. At the Upper Aft Fuse Rib, req'd using offset "universal" (I don't have an offset back rivet tool) in rivet gun to reach shop ends. Worked great - w/o bending rib to access. Onto Sect 10-30 LH and RH Top Side Skins. Getting close to completing the Aft Fuse build...

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 3 hrs )

Flying in the morning, building an airplane in the afternoon - it's a good life ! Started Sect 10-29 Assembly. Deburred all edges and holes, then dimpled per instructions all 4 pieces. Fit up is good, so ready to scuff, acetone clean and prime next.