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 1, 2017

Furniture

Baggage Floor ( 3 hrs )

Riveted 18 nutplates around access openings for mounting LH & RH Steps. Challenging since a standard 3" yoke in the Main Squeeze was slightly too large for opening ( a 2.5" would have been OK !). Had to shift to Rivet Gun and bucking bar. Even my titanium bar was too long for a few locations - and otherwise was a bit awkward to manipulate and hold in positions. A couple locations required using a small steel bar I had from working really tight spaces on the Empennage - on it's narrow edge. It took longer than expected, but persistence paid off.

LH Access.

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Fuselage

Baggage Area ( 4 hrs )

Started riveting LH & RH Baggage Floor into Fuse per Sect 32 at Steps 1-6. I'd prepped floors couple weeks ago, so today I jumped right into riveting. These aligned well after some "negotiating" into position. Added blue tape along Side Panel rivet line, to avoid prematurely doing those. 24 nutplates done alone central access opening.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Fuselage

Finish Aft to Forward Fuselage joint (2 hrs )

Finished Sect 30 ! Nancy helped complete Steps 5-8 so all riveting done joining Aft to Forward Fuse. Included final Baggage Ribs to Bulkhead. Next: Sect 32, Baggage Area to install Floors and Side Covers. (completed Sect 31 earlier - fuel system installation).

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Fuselage

Aft to Forward Fuselage ( 2 hrs )

Nancy and I riveted Step 5 & 6 along Bottom Skins and LH Side Skins. Only RH Side remains - and looking good ! as clecos disappear. Working these steps with Fuse on its side enables Nancy to use rivet gun on outside while I lean inside with bucking bar. I can access behind the bulkheads better than I'd imagined, too.

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Fuselage

Fuse to Aft Fuselage ( 3 hrs )

Rolled Fuselage onto RH side so access rivets along bottom skins and Bulkheads. Steps 1-3 completed, and 1/2 done Step 4 (Baggage Ribs to bottom fore/aft) for Sect 30-08. Some were best done by myself reaching inside for Bulkheads to Baggage Rib rivets, others Nancy helped w/ rivet gun at Bottom Skin outside while I bucked from inside. Teamwork !

Monday, May 22, 2017

Fuselage

Brake Pedals & Side Skin ( 3 hrs )

Installed Brake Master Cylinders per Step 5-6 Sect 33-04. Skipped Step 4 to install brass elbows - wait until ready to install into Fuse and connect brake lines (kept plastic plugs installed to keep out moisture & contaminants). Nancy's back - so we did LH and RH Fuse Side Skin rivets Step 4 Sect 30-08. Sterling at Van's Tech Support confirmed these were OK to do out of sequence with bottom and bulkhead riveting in Steps 1-3. Now we're ready to roll Fuse on its side for better access to remaining Steps 1-3 and 5-8 re: bottom skin / bulkheads.

back side. These are stout brake pads.

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Fuselage

Brake Pedals ( 4 hrs )

Finished all 4 Brake Pedals. Created 4 spacers each 5/16" long per Step 1 at Sect 33-03. Attached Brake Pedals Assly's to Rudder Pedal Assly's. Some thinner washers were substituted to tweak filling gaps correctly. Very pleased with how free turning and slop free these are now ( Van's instructions include "rotate by gravity alone")