Steevo's RV14a Build Log: November 2016

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, November 30, 2016

Wings

Wings...begin to build first parts ! (4 hrs )

Resolved what avionics install kits to order now: 1) Autopilot Servo Install Kit, 2) Garmin Pitot Install Kit (Van's still in process, not yet available !), and 3) Aileron Trim Kit. Easier to install soon than later when Wing is nearing completion. I've decided my Avionics will be Garmin G3x Touch and associated options from Garmin. Mitch Lock, Van's East Coast Rep who built the RV14a with Garmin avionics was very helpful. Contact 240-832-2730.

I've been reviewing every detail of build, up to Sect 20. Yesterday I discovered the nutplates at Wing Root were NOT built by QB builders - although instructions on first Section QBW seemed to indicate they would be. So I closely examined Sect 16-02 & -03 (Top Skin Wing Root nutplates) and Sect 20-06 (Bottom Wing Root Fairing for Nutplate Install). Note: Van's Tech Support clarified Builder (ie "me") instructions shown at Sect QBW-2 are incorrect. These are supposed to show steps QB builders have done, and identify specifically Builder steps to complete. They told me QB Wings are being built just as RV10 QB Wings have been previously built, NOT per new instructions for RV14a. Thus certain steps in Sect 16-02 and Sect 20-06 were NOT done. So...I have to do these nutplates. They told me the nutplates were included in Packing List (inventory)...but I discovered two special "one leg" nutplates MS21051 - L08 were NOT included. Arrghhh! Another call to Van's to expedite delivery.

So spent final 1.5 hours building Sect 17-04, Step 9 and Sect 17-05, Step 3...the Access Hatch Doubler on LH Wing. Yay ! Finally built something after 2 months of delays since Empennage completed. It felt good to be building again...

Ready to install, but will leave out until Stall Waring mechanism is added at Leading edge inside...for larger opening

Begin QB Wings "completion"

Nov 29, 2016

QB Wings (3 hrs)

Examining Wing instructions from beginning...while confirming completeness. Helped to familiarize with how QB was built to this point, and clarify exactly what needs to be done. Called Van's Tech Support with several questions. Confirmed torque on AN3 bolts along main spar into ribs ....since these do not have torque seal by QB crew. A-OK.

Wing tips were unpacked and checked too.

QB Wings and QB Fuselage inventory

Nov 16, 23, 25, 26, and 28 (12 hrs )

Inventory started Nov 16 ...1 hr only, then spread over several other days. Finally done on Nov 28, including contacting Vans to send a few missing parts. Also several key parts are on Backorder, but probably won't delay build of QB Wings.

Added 3rd storage rack...just enough.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

QB Wings and QB Fuselage delivery !

Nov 15, 2016

Delivery (finally!) of QB Wings and QB Fuselage ( 1 hr )

After nearly two months of delays, I finally received the QB Wings and QB Fuselage. Yay ! Everything appears to be in good shape, too. I've got many hours of inventory and reviewing instructions ahead. Special thanks to my wife, Nancy and my R/C friend Tom Imhoff with assistance unloading the truck.

The QB wings are now in my garage shop, and the QB Fuselage is in my basement along with the Empennage Aft Fuselage. I'll switch these after I complete the Wing final assembly. It worked well to remove the sliding doors at my basement entrance....and the fuselage is now sitting right where our really old pool table used to be. A few weeks ago, couple guys from Habitat for Humanity picked up the pool table as a donation.

Jim Marshall, delivery truck driver. My right wing is still on the wall.

Nancy and Tom Imhoff.

Wing cradle is borrowed from RV10 builder Terry Moushon. Thanks Terry !

Joystick crossmember (white tube assly) is not drag free.

Joystick crossmember (the white tube assembly in above pic) has considerable drag or friction when moved (pitch direction). Scott at Van's builder support told me it should be virtually free rotating on bearings. He believes assembler's didn't properly shim when installing. Consequently I'll receive replacement nuts and set of shims so I can re-do. Seems critical in order to achieve that great Van's "control feel".