Steevo's RV14a Build Log: 12/12/16

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.

Monday, December 12, 2016

Wings

More Wiring woes...and fixes ! ( 1hr )

Vans builder support had no reason why WH00011 wiring would not fit through LH Wing Snap Bushings. Apparently other builders not having this problem. They did suggest to remove the SB causing the roadblock, run wires through rib, and re-install SB (split the SB so remove/re-install with wires installed ) - sometimes this works with undersized SB's. So I determined something special must be up with the one SB at rib #6 causing this, and proceeded to remove it from rib. No easy task, since in the center between an access hatch and nearest opening (outboard bottom skin not installed yet ) -- of course ! I discovered it was a SB375-3, not the SB375-4 designed/spec'd that had been installed by QB builders. So it has an inside "flange" reducing the opening to 3/16" vs 1/4, and that ledge was the hard stop my wires were hitting ! I replaced with SB375-4 (not easy task: split the SB, work each wire into, then re-insert into Rib) Now I readily routed all 6 wires, and I have room for the 7th from WH00012 harness. Aaarrgggh !

While studying other builders logs for clues to my wiring problem, I determined my choice of Garmin G3X avionics was going to create revisions to other SB sizes for other routing in LH Wing. G3X system's ADAHARS mounts to back of displays in panel - not in LH Wing...so air line must pass through root of wing into fuselage to panel. Only the magnetometer will mount in LH Wing. Also, since I plan to install AOA with the Pitot, I'll need an additional air line from Pitot to wing root to instrument panel. And a heated version must accommodate at least 2 more wires. Vans considers the AOA optional, and did NOT equip their designs for all features available. Whoa...would've been convenient to describe this in literature and instructions...vs touting ready for either Dynon or Garmin avionics. So I've purchased a 12" extension to mount a uni-bit to increase the .375" holes and .437" holes to .500 holes. Ordered more SB500-6's to replace the smaller ones. Mitch Lock, East Coast Rep for Van's will be contacting me with details from his G3X installation into the RV14a he built. He included the heated AOA in the Pitot.

Compared to the Empennage Kit with excellent instructions, etc...the QB Wings have been disappointing. Missing 26 nutplates, missing 19 SB's, and now an incorrect SB installed in worst possible location. Relatively minor, but each causes unnecessary delays/frustrations. Seems Empennage Kit was an A+, the QB is probably a B+.