Steevo's RV14a Build Log: 08/30/16

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.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Empennage

Empennage Fairings ( 2 hrs )

Sect 12-06. Trimmed Horiz Stab Tip Fairing to fit LH side. Lots of iterations (can't add material back easily) to accomplish 1/8" gap. I created a "template" to transfer front edge of Elevator to rear edge of Tip. Once trimmed, I then removed 1/8" for clearance...checking swing clearance of elevator as I progressed.

1 transfer front edge Elev to Tip.

2 trimmed.

3 adding 1/8" clearance line

4 Clearance accomplished

Drilled #40, then FD #30 reamer, using cleco's as I progressed. Cut template for the fiberglass sheet to fit just inside - slightly recessed for best clearance as Elev swings up and down.

Empennage

Empennage Fairings ( 2.5 hrs ) Monday, Aug 29

Completed blind riveting LH and RH Elev Tips. First C'Sunk holes in RH Tip, and dimpled RH Elev. Added cyanoacrylate to each fiberglass hole...it really strengthens the fibers surrounding the hole, since very thin after C'sinking each. This enables fiberglass to be brought up to Elev surface without "stripping out" the holes with clecos, or the blind rivets when inserted. Had time to prepare LH and RH Horiz Tip fairings to 1/2" flanges.

Dimpled & Countersunk. Ready to blind rivet.