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 29, 2017

Finish Kit

Deburring and Priming for Canopy (3 hrs )

Completed fluting and "clecoing" canopy parts per Sect 38-08. Confirmed with Sterling at Van's product support I was doing these steps correctly. Didn't require as much fluting as instructions seemed to indicate. Deburred holes and edges remaining parts for Sect 38-09. Primed all parts from pages -08 and -09.

buffed, ready to prime

freshly primed ! (NAPA 7220)

primed & ready to assemble

Monday, August 28, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Skin Assembly ( 3 hrs )

Finished dimpling Canopy Skin (Sect 38-07) and deburred edges. Deburred holes and edges of 4 Support Flanges. Started assembly via Steps 1-3 Sect 38-08. Requires considerable fluting of flanges, cleco to check, re-flute...cleco. Instructions state this is critical to create right shape. I may consult with Vans product support to clarify.

convenient location to lay canopy skin...sort fits already.

Support Flanges deburred

preliminary fit while fluting....

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Skin Dimpling ( 2 hrs )

Worked Sect 38-07 Step 3 re: Canopy Skin Dimpling. First deburred all holes, and the many small "slots" for the defrost fan/avionics cooling fan outlets. Took more time than the dimpling. Started Support Flanges on 38-08.

time consuming to deburr these edges

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Finish Kit

Fwd Canopy Rails, etc ( 2 hrs )

At Sect 38-07 Steps 1 & 2 separated & deburred Fwd Canopy Rails, Support Flanges, , & Splice. Then at Sect 38-08 did same for Fwd Canopy Rail Bases & Flange Splices. Lots of bandsaw work this time on preformed (curved) Rails.

these, and a few other parts deburred

Friday, August 25, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Hinge Assly ( 1.5 hrs )

Riveted LH and RH Canopy Hinge Assemblies after deburr, dimple, and prime. Sect 38-06 Steps 8 & 9. Seemed shame to prime the hinges, since nice machined surfaces...but had to anyway.

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Latch System ( 3 hrs )

Completed Canopy Latch System per Sect 38-05 & -06 through Step 7. Works smoothly. Lots of small Links and cotter pins. Used Handee Clamp (see in pic) to add nuts to bearing block bolts in hard to reach location under Roll Bar (sure glad I bought this a few months ago). Note: Torque Tube ( C-01438 ) was 1/8" too long (measured 42 7/8"), so removed 1/16" from each end. Otherwise bearing blocks ( C-01420 - L & -R) didn't line up with mounting holes, and interfered with Fuse longeron. At 42 3/4" fit perfectly.

prior shortening Torque Tube 1/16" each end, bearing
block interfered with longeron, and bolts didn't align

Handee Clamp, and Washer Wrench...essential !

extended pin for canopy retention

extended

retracted

now w/ Pushrod

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Latch assembly ( 2.5 hrs )

Assembling Canopy Latch mechanism Steps 9-11 per Sect 38-05. Built Pushrod, prepped Torque Tube, Installed Bellcrank Angles (see pic). Deburred, primed and painted the 2 Latch Bellcranks that I forgot to do yesterday, Sect 38-06.