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 6, 2017

Wings

LH Landing Light Lens ( 2 hrs )

Finished LH Lens.  Left a greater margin at perimeter, approx 1/2" instead of 1/4".  Fits great.  Sanded edges to smooth finish using 400 grit, including rounding.  Very surprised as I was finishing up to see 2 very small cracks starting at edge - so quickly stop drilled and chamfered.  I had noticed the Backing Plates had moderate "bow" (whereas those on RH Lens sat flat onto Lens), so maybe once tightened they may have induced stress along edges.  RATS !   Hoping stop drilling will prevent major cracks from developing - or I'll have a "do over" in future.    Otherwise, I'm "done" with Wings.  Ta Dah !    Time to exchange the QB Fuselage from basement with Wings.
I left the tape on as I installed this time.  Removed tape after removing Lens.

@#$%&!  ( i.e. Drat ! )   Couple cracks started soon after I
re-inserted screws to hold backing plates while double sided tape "set".
Maybe stop drilling will save the Lens
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