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, April 4, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Snorkel fit up ( 2 hrs )

Started fitting fiberglass VA-132-2 Snorkel to fuel servo and Left Air Ramp/Frame.
Also torqued machine screws holding Baffles to Valve covers, etc.

preliminary fit...

lots of adjustment, measure, adjust again ahead to insure
centered on fuel servo opening

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Tension Rods for Baffles ( 3 hrs )

Finished torquing various fasteners on Cowl Baffles. Created four Tension Rods from SSP-120 Stainless Steel Pinsl per Steps 1-6 in Sect 47-14. Cut 6-32 threads on 8 ends. Fit to Baffles perfectly.

view under Right Forward Baffle

view under Right Aft Baffle

view under Left Forward Baffle

Monday, April 2, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Installed Cowl Baffles ( 4 hrs )

Decided to complete connection of MAP lines prior to completing the cowl baffles - in case any interference. Installed AN823-4 Steel 45 deg Elbow (replaced AN816-4D straight fitting) per Aircraft Speciality design for connection of Single PMAG manifold air pressure hoses. Tightened flare fitting at elbow, and applied Herbie Clamp to silicone hose at other end. [ ref Jan 26, 2018 log "Map Hose Assembly ] Installed Left and Right Aft Baffles to engine per Sect 47-07, Steps 2-4. No trimming of baffles needed - fit to engine was good first pass. And, didn't need to remove Oil Filler Tube. Assembled Left and Right Forward Baffles per 47-13 per Step 1. First riveted CB-00011 to Left Fwd Baffle per Step 4 at 47-12 (initially not sure possible to assemble onto engine w/ this part attached, but riveting after looked almost impossible too). I had to trim CB-00011 to fit engine case so all bolt holes would align. This gave me practise getting the assl'y on and off a few times - so I got better at twisting and turning it around Prop Governor. Aaarrrgggh !

Completed MAP lines between engine, sensor, and PMAG

Friday, March 30, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Baffles, cont'd ( 3 hrs )

Completed Right Air Ramp per Sect 47-10 and Right Forward Baffle at 47-11. Added RTV strips to Left and Right Forward Baffles per Step 1 at Sect 47-12.

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

More Baffles ( 2 hrs )

Deburred holes and edges on several cowl baffle pieces for Sect 47-10 & -11. Added nutplates and applied RTV to Vent Screen and Vent DL-03.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Left Air Ramp and Air Filter Frame ( 3 hrs )

Assembled Left Air Ramp and Air Filter Frame - mix of deburring and cutting/sanding fiberglass. Completed Sect 47-08 Steps 11-11, and Steps 1-9 at Sect 47-09 - except a few details.

fiberglass frame cut to size, nutplates riveted on

Left Forward Baffle nearing completion.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

RTV on Cowl Baffles ( 2 hrs )

Installed Brackets to engine per Steps 2-6 at Sect 47-06. Applied Red RTV (high temp) to Aft Baffles per 47-07. Tip by Vans to use masking tape works well to provide neat "stripes".

fwd bracket left finger tight until baffle installed

1 of 2 done - masking tape helps keep mess to minimum.