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, August 15, 2017

Finish Kit

Window drilling ( 3 hrs )

Cont'd drilling per sequence #1 thru #10 for LH and RH sides. Finished all #40 holes except final 2 holes each side. No cracks so far ! Garage around 83 degrees is helping. Nancy again crawled back into baggage area to hold wood block supporting plexiglass as I drilled. This time I snapped a pic.

No clamps needed now.

Monday, August 14, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy and Window ( 5 hrs )

Started Sect 38-02 Canopy and Window installation per Finish Kit. Took my time with some practice drilling in scrap plexiglass using my newly "dulled" #40 drill bit (also prepped #36 and #27 bits. Keeping the shop around 80 degrees, and proceeding with light force seems to be working - no stress crack so far. Cut clearance notches at aft edge using dremel with small drum sander. I positioned, re-positioned, then re-positioned again the window until aligned just right along Roll Bar. Then Nancy climbed into baggage area to hold wood block behind plexiglass as I drilled from outside. She's quite a "trooper". First 9 done -- whew ! Forgot to take pic with Nancy in position, but will next time when we hopefully finish drilling.

First fit up, with 12/32" extra on Roll Bar - until I cut in notches on rear edge

Success so far....first 9 holes.

Other clamps kept slipping. These work great.

Notched more than necessary at Roll Bar Brace flange. Had to
add small clearance for rivet (near center of this pic)

Sunday, August 6, 2017

Finish Kit

Inventory Completed ( 4 hrs )

Finally completed inventory - sorting, counting, labeling, organizing. Vans Aircraft only missed count by 1 on 3 items, and provided 426 flush rivets instead of 470 universal rivets in one bag. Seems about 99.5% accuracy, since 9 pages of items listed. Whew...I'm ready to start building again.

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)