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.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Wings



2 hrs

Riveted Landing Light bracket to top & bottom skin of LH Wing.  

Assembled Left Fuel Level Sensor.  Bent wire for float following full size drawing on 18-10.   Per Van's builder support advice, I measure output resistance at both ends of travel at 32 and 249 ohms.

 Next I did my first of several trial fits - and used my new borescope to check inside tank.  I measured 32 ohms in initial position (wing is upside down...so "full" position).  I'll need to flip wing over to examine at opposite end of travel ("empty" reading and clearances).   As shown in pictures,  I adjusted alignment (twisted wire) so float better aligns with bottom of tank.  This hasn't changed 32 ohm reading on multimeter, and can't confirm if I have 1/16" clearance to bottom of tank.   I'll need to flip wing over to determine if full travel (249 ohms), and how well or poorly aligns with bottom skin.

Prior to adjust float angle vs top of tank  (via borescope).
 
...shiny aluminum inside tank shows reflection of float.









After some adjustment...closer to parallel.  Need final tweak to gain 1/16" gap per instructions...although Van's builder support told me not required.





Showing clearance to vent line along top.
Posted by at
Labels:

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)