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.

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Finish Kit

More inventory ( 2 hrs )

Took friends flying for their first time in morning...beautiful weather (unseasonably mild for Aug in midwest!). Then back to inventory. Getting close to completing - approx 10 bags to go.

shelves are filling up

mostly nosegear

the large pile of bags is down to only 10 or so left....

Friday, August 4, 2017

Finish Kit

More inventory, etc ( 2 hrs )

More inventory counting and organizing. De- constructed crate, saving some "free" plywood and 2x4s. One side became a new worktable.

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Finish Kit

Inventory continued ( 3 hrs )

Cont'd inventory of packaged and wrapped items. All OK except 2 Grade 8 washers are missing. Still lots of bags of small parts/misc hardware to go...

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Finish Kit

Delivery and Unpacking ( 3 hrs )

ABF delivered Finish Kit crate around noon ( approx 6'x4'x3' and 385 lbs). Excellent condition outside. And excellent shape inside, too - thanks to Vans skilled packing. Nancy assisted unpacking large items - many we moved to basement "warehouse" for now, next to Wings in their cradle. All large items inventoried, but remaining 2 boxes and one large bag of hardware bags. Going to do them inside in A/C, since temporarily dismantled garage A/C for delivery.

dome head

cone head!

time for trip to recycling

Larger stuff stored in basement, next to Wings and Wing Tips (box)

Monday, July 24, 2017

Fuselage

Photo Op

First time sitting in Fuselage. Sweet !

Hey...it's an open cockpit...for now.

Monday, July 17, 2017

Fuselage

Elevator Pushrod Attached ( 2 hrs )

Celebrated my dad's 90th birthday! on Sunday... and now back into shop to finish the Fuselage. Completed Sect 36-15 Steps 1-6 and Sect 36-16 Steps 1-4. Re-attached Horiz Stab and Elevators (LH & RH) to Fuse, then connected Elev Pushrod. Needed to climb into Baggage area (first time actually on-board) to check Bellcrank "neutral" position. Used Van's template showing as assembled is "perfectly" at designed 92.4 degree position. Yay - no adjustment to rod end needed ! Also confirmed Elevator Horns hit stops before Control Column hits their local stops...per instructions. As before, getting 29.5 deg Up and 25.4 deg Down travel (within Specs). Joystick moves super smoothly - very satisfying. Counterweights seem to be balanced too. Done w/ Fuselage build - ready for Finish Kit to be delivered from Vans. Supposed to be crated July 10 but seems they're 1- 2 weeks behind - so hoping receive about Aug 3. (after Oshkosh!)

Full Up 29.5 deg. TE is aligned, although this view they seem misaligned.

Full Down 25.4 deg. TE is aligned, although this view they seem misaligned.

access to Bellcrank...

92.4 deg exactly (no adjusting required)

I'm 6'4".... and barely fit in baggage area...

Joystick (wrapped grip) works !

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Fuselage

Skin Stiffeners at Aft Fuse ( 2 hrs )

Completed Sect 37-08 w/ Steps 4-6 riveting Skin Stiffeners to Aft Fuselage Side Skin. Almost done with QB Fuse (yay!) - only need to re-mount Elevator to check up & down travel stops. Vans is supposed to be crating my Finish Kit this week - but probably a week delay - so expecting delivery now after Oshkosh.

instructions have these 2 holes left open for now...