Steevo's RV14a Build Log: 04/07/16

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, April 7, 2016

Empennage

Elevators ( 2 hrs )

Sect 9-09, Setp 2 Attached (cleco'd) LH and RH Elevator Horns. #30 (ie 1/8" holes) drilled at twelve times each horn - but those rivets are critical !

Step 3: Final Drilled all mating part holes not already done for Elevator assembly. Then dis-assembled - but critical to mark parts for later re-assembly. (used permanent marker with tape over to protect as scuff, acetone clean and prime parts. these are in areas entirely still covered 100% Alclad, so remain corrosion protected after remove tape at re-assembly) Only got RH Elevator completely "done", so planning next session to do same for LH side.

Empennage

Elevator ( 2.5 hrs ) April 6 , 2016

Cont'd Sect 9-08, Steps 2 & 3: Cleco'd RH and LH Tip Assly's to Bottom Skins and Shear Clips. Final Drilled #30 holes 6 places each at interface to sub-assembly structure.

Counterbalance skin goes UNDER the Top Skin.

Step 4: RH Top Skin cleco'd w/ Trailing Edge added. Unique TE w/ thicker at end (Van's adjusted pitch sensitivity & control harmony on the RV14's with this small detail). Trimmed off excess length of TE, grinding to fit perfectly while also deburring edges. Per instructions, matched end to E 912 composite tip with slight taper top and bottom. Didn't take much, because tip has some thickness of several fiberglass layers at it's own TE. Repeated for LH Elevator (much shorter TE due to Trim Tab).

Impressive how top and bottom close out tabs fit perfectly with Shear Clip. I'd bent these 90 deg earlier, with one at 1/32 and one at 1/64 from bend line, to allow for overlap.