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.

Friday, July 6, 2018

Finish Kit

Wheel Fairing flox ( 2 hrs )

Removed Fairings after flox cured. Relieved they came off relatively easy, except one of four hung up due to excess flox rolling over edge. All 8 surfaces turned out OK, which is relief since essentially positioned blindly. Ground off excess with dremel. Started nutplates per Sect 46A-07 Steps 5-9.

RH with Aft Fairing installed. Can see white
flox where Bracket interfaces with Fairing

Example result epoxy/flox mix on Fwd Fairing. Smooth area is Bracket contact area. Green is Turtle wax used as mold release.

First nutplate added between Aft and Fwd Fairing shells.
Shows Aft contact area on left, and Fwd contact area on right.

RH inner Bracket

RH outer Bracket

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Finish Kit

Wheel Fairings mounted ( 7 hrs )

Completed 46A-03 for LH Fairing, so proceeded cutting Gear Leg openings per 46A-04. Mounted LH and RH Fairings to Wheel/Leg assemblies. Only small tweaks needed at Gear Legs to insure 1/16" clearance. Marked 5/8" clearance around tire at bottom (this is challenging while laying on floor !). Trimmed off and reattached to confirm good, uniform clearance to tire to complete 46A-06. Final drilled #19 holes in Fairing aligned with Brackets/nutplates. Removed Fairings ...again. Mixed epoxy/flox mix, applied 1/16' - 1/8" thick layer on inside where Brackets contact Fairings per Steps 1-5 at Sect 46A-07. Re-mounted Fairings to "mold" flox mix to internal contour vs flat Brackets. This was very messy and difficult since hard to align and start screws with flox in the way. Persistence paid off. After cures, sure hope they all come off ! (tape layer, Boelube on threads, and Turtle Wax should work)

Completed LH drilling and cleco'ing

tweaked clearance at Gear Leg and brake line

Super pleased with fit and alignment

floor level showing tire clearance prior
marking/trimming for 5/8" clearance all around

final trim to 5/8". (block used to mark & check when installed)

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Finish Kit and Avionics

Wheel Fairings & delivery of Instrument Panel ( 3 hrs )

Cont'd assembly of Wheel Fairings per Sect 46A-03 Steps 1-5 for RH side. Will repeat for LH side before continuing with remaining steps. Received from Stein Air the crate with all instrumentation and Panel. Really well packed. Looks great ! Yay....Christmas in July!

Add caption

top is laser etched with my Panel design

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Finish Kit

More sanding Wheel Fairings ( 1 hr )

Completed trim to scribe lines for wheel openings per 46A-02. Lots more dust!

Saturday, June 30, 2018

Finish Kit

Wheel Fairings ( 4 hrs )

Cont'd working on Wheel Fairings. Riveted 8 nutplates to 4 Brackets per Sect 46A-04 & -05. Then mounted to Main Gear Legs. Started trimming Wheel Fairings per 46A-02, Steps 1-5. Created a ton of fiberglass dust following Van's instructions "remove material that prevents the halves from matching smoothly" and "take time to precision fit wheel fairing halves".

Mach C'sunk then riveted on nutplates

Lots of grinding to improve overlap fit.
And trim to scribed lines

Only 1 of 2 "done", but progress

Friday, June 29, 2018

Finish Kit

Wheel Fairings ( 3 hrs )

Started Sect 46A Tri-Gear Leg and Wheel Fairings. Deburred, primed, and finish painted 4 Wheel Fairing Brackets. Drilled the 3/8" holes in Standoffs, and started to trim excess material, but need fresh band saw blade.

Spacer U1024 drilling of 3/8" hole. Sharp bit !

Posing with Nancy

My cousin's son, Brett visited while working in area.

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Avionics

Replaced original hose assemblies for MAP (manifold air pressure) sensor for PMAG ignition. Aircraft Specialty agreed they needed revised length to avoid rubbing on Oil Cooler Air Duct. The short hose is same length, but changed fitting material, and the longer hose is now about 1" longer. Now they clear by approx 1/2". Good to go. Thanks Steve at Aircraft Specialty. [Reference prior build logs: Jan 26, 2018 original installation of hoses for MAP for PMAG, and April 27, 2018 installation of Oil Cooler Air Duct with MAP hoses rubbing.] Today rec'd email from Stein Air that the instrument panel build is "complete" and will ship soon. YAY !

Stein Air build of panel is done...shipping soon.