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, September 13, 2016

Empennage

Empennage Fairing ( 1 hr )

Sanded both sides of attached Vert Stab Tip, and both LH & RH Elevator top sides. They need a second pass of epoxy filler to be done.

Empennage

Empennage Fairings ( 2 hrs )

Monday, Sept 12

Attached Vert Stab Tip after dimpling aluminum and Countersinking fiberglass. Mixed 410 Microlight into epoxy, then applied to same VS Tip, plus LH and RH Elevator Tips on top side now. First sanded surfaces with 400 grit followed by good cleaning with isopropyl alcohol. (note: this time slightly too much microlight mixed in ...seemed a little harder to apply smoothly via squeegee. I'll try a little less for second pass to fill in remaining rough spots after sanding)

after rivets, before applying filler

filler applied. cure time more than 12 hours

one of 2 Elevator tips...top sides now

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Empennage

Empennage Fairings (2 hrs)

Sand, sand sand... Rudder - Tip & Bottom (at strobe transition only), LH & RH Elev on bottom sides, and Vertical Stab Tip at new fiberglass end plate.

Vert Stab Tip with chamfer
added to inset endplate

Rudder bottom

Right side of Rudder Top

Left side of Rudder Top

Friday, September 9, 2016

Empennage

Empennage Fairings ( 1 hr )

Added chamfer to inset of Vert Stab Tip Fairing. With left over epoxy resin, I smoothed in transitions from aluminum to fiberglass on bottom RH Elev, and Rudder Top Tip. Sand with 400 grit first, clean with isopropyl alcohol. I'm getting better at smoothing with squeegee. Trying to reduce amount of sanding. Next..sand off most...only leaving low spots filled.

Rudder Tip ( applied 1st pass both sides)

RH Elev (1st pass, lots of sanding next)

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Empennage

Empennage Fairings (2 hrs )

Cut fiberglass patch that cured overnight, and trimmed to fit into Vert Stab Tip Fairing. I prefer to inset about 2mm vs flush, so I have better clearance to swinging Rudder, but from sides appears only 3mm clearance. Kind of matches appearance of Vert Stab meeting Rudder, Or Horiz Stab meeting Elevators at hinge lines, too. Plus I was able to force Tip into more accurate profile matching Rudder Fairing. I inserted patch, then "tacked" into place using cyanoacrylate glue. This allows me to immediately follow up with reinforcing with fiberglass strips and resin on inside.

After fiberglass strips on inside cure, I'll add "chamfer" of epoxy filler on outside

Since I had extra epoxy resin, I added 410 Microlight to peanut butter consistency so I could apply another layer to LH Elevator at transition from Tip to Alum. This was after sanding first application...and this will likely be final.

Second application of epoxy filler...after sanding first layer.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Empennage

Empennage Fairings (2.5 hrs )

Sect 12-07 Steps 1-3 completed for Vert Stab Tip Fairing: trimmed to fit. Even though Van's instructions don't include, I mounted the Rudder to insure proper 3mm clearance. Glad I did, as slight adjustment (angle of front of Rudder) was appropriate for a consistent gap. Once in position, I drilled #40 holes & reamed with #30 to allow me to remove and re-attach as I checked clearance. Quickly made fiberglass patch. I had plenty of resin, so also mixed in West Systems 410 Microlight to start smoothing in the transitions from alum to fiberglass. Close up appearance will be improved, but going to keep to a minimum so I limit unnecessary weight.

checking with template. Green layer is release ply.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Empennage

Empennage Fairings ( 1.5 hrs )

After fully curing, I sanded with 400 grit the perimeter chamfer on LH & RH Tip Fairings. Installed in Horiz Stab via blind rivets. Fits great - really solid. I also sanded the leftover filler I applied to front of Elevator tips to blend in to Counterweight aluminum. I like how easy this was to sand, yet seems very tough material with great adhesion.

Filler sanded smooth

Attached.