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, January 23, 2017

Wings

LH Bottom Skin  ( 3 hrs )

Finished dimpling LH Bottom Skin.  Primed just the rivet lines, since alclad was not "disturbed". Also primed the Pitot Mast Mount and brackets, and J-stiffener.
pic taken prior to priming along rivet lines
I installed the second 20' of 1/4" OD poly tubing for the AOA.  I ran a string along that line to assist later with installation of heater wires to the Pitot.   Per Mitch Lock (Van's East Coast rep), keeping those wires several inches away from the magnetometer and it's wires is important.










Finally ready to rivet the bottom skin.  Nancy assisted as we experimented with who should buck and who should hold the rivet gun ( I originally thought she'd only need to roll back the skin and hold it for me - but that option didn't work.  Clearly one of us needs to reach way inside to the rear spar, while other positions rivet gun.  We managed to get just 4 rivets done before we had to quit.   At least we got started!

checking how far we can roll back the skin w/o kinking...
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