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, September 21, 2016

Empennage

Empennage Fairing  ( 2 hrs )

Monday, Sept 20

Sect 12-09 Completed Steps 1 & 2 to install Empennage Gap Covers - LH and RH.  This required using a 12" long #40 drill to reach from opposite side of VS to drill from inside outward.   Each Gap Cover needed slight grinding at few locations along upper edge to fit properly to bottom skins on Horiz Stab.  
Clecos installed as holes drilled from other side with 12" long drill bit.  Marked aft edge and trimmed to flush, too.
Van's supplies the Empennage Fairing (upper fiberglass piece) in Finish Kit...so I have to wait for Sect 12-10 to -13 to really complete this area.     So...I'm going to re-install Elevator and Rudder to check the tip fairing alignment with HS and VS.  Then disassembly and store.

Expecting QB Wings & QB Fuselage delivery by Tony Partain trucking in early October...a couple weeks !
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