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, September 21, 2016

Empennage

Empennage Fairings ( 0.5 hrs )

Re-mounted the Horiz Stab, Vertical Stab, Elevators, and Rudder (also Empennage Gap Covers) today to examine fitup...and to take some pics. I'm considering some blending between Elevator Tips and HS Tips, as well as between Rudder and Vert Stab. They're really good, but now that they're installed, I can see some variations between front to back. Won't help plane fly any better, just cosmetic. Maybe later during Finish Kit, etc. I do plan to "smooth" between Horiz Stab Tip and HS Skin, but the initial fit is near perfect.

Hooray ! Essentially done with Empennage Kit. (expecting QB Wings and QB Fuselage delivery in couple weeks)

From Jan 1, 2016...Empennage Kit "completed" Sept 2016.

A long way to go...but closer !

Empennage

Empennage Fairing ( 2 hrs )

Monday, Sept 20

Sect 12-09 Completed Steps 1 & 2 to install Empennage Gap Covers - LH and RH. This required using a 12" long #40 drill to reach from opposite side of VS to drill from inside outward. Each Gap Cover needed slight grinding at few locations along upper edge to fit properly to bottom skins on Horiz Stab.

Clecos installed as holes drilled from other side with 12" long drill bit. Marked aft edge and trimmed to flush, too.

Van's supplies the Empennage Fairing (upper fiberglass piece) in Finish Kit...so I have to wait for Sect 12-10 to -13 to really complete this area. So...I'm going to re-install Elevator and Rudder to check the tip fairing alignment with HS and VS. Then disassembly and store.

Expecting QB Wings & QB Fuselage delivery by Tony Partain trucking in early October...a couple weeks !

Monday, September 19, 2016

Empennage

Empennage Fairing ( 1.5 hrs )

Sect 12-8: Deburred all edges and holes on LH and RH Empennage Gap Covers. Bent in 3 places each per instructions. Trial fit onto Aft Fuselage, and ready to go. Taken back off so I can re-mount the HS, and VS.

Friday, September 16, 2016

Empennage

Empennage Fairing ( 1.5 hrs )

Sand...sand...sand. But "done" with Elevators and Vert Stab now. And previously Rudder was "finished". Only have Tips on Horiz Stab to do, but will wait until mounted with Elevators to check surface alignments, etc.

I'm ready to move on.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Empennage

Empennage Fairings ( 1 hr )

2nd application of epoxy resin with 410 Microlight onto Vert Stab Tip (left and right sides), and top and bottom of LH & RH Elevator Tips. Needs to cure 12 hrs...so 'hafta' wait.

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