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, December 7, 2016

Wings

Moved LH Wing to table  ( 3 hrs )

Riveted VA195C Doubler to LH Wing, and trial fit Access Hatch VA195D.  All good.  

Sprayed 2nd coat of black on Landing Light mounting brackets and Backing Plates.  

Riveted VA146  Flange Bearing per Sect 18-05, Step 5.  Needed better access, so with assistance from my wife (thank-you !) moved LH Wing from cradle to table tops (1st time horizontal in shop).


Enabled access to Landing Light area, so cleco'd Light Bracket to F-D #40 holes in skins.   After deburr, dimpled top and bottom skins.   But, Main Squeeze with std 3" yoke can't reach any along top.  So after scratching around, I successfully dimpled via Cleaveland Tools "Tight Fit Dimpling Fixture" - w/ femle 3/32 die -  taped to tungsten bucking bar (more mass), and used C-Frame bottom set in rivet gun - w/ male die.   Ta Dah !  done...  

Painted inside of landing light area flat black per Sect 17-05 Step 2.

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