Steevo's RV14a Build Log: 04/17/17

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, April 17, 2017

Fuselage

Tri Gear set up for QB Fuselage ( 3 hrs )

Continued setting up QB Fuselage as Tri Gear following QBF-2 instructions. Step 12: drilled two sets of 5 #27 holes for nutplates that attach Gear Leg Fairings later. These locations had been dimpled by QB builders (instructions callout these as exceptions to not dimple). Required flatten each, drill and deburr - so another tweak to correct Van's build. Per Sect 26-11, completed Steps 5 and 16 at QBF-2 (Sect 26-10 and -11) for riveting on the 10 nutplates. Nancy operated rivet gun while I held bucking bar from inside fuselage. Great teamwork !

Step 7 was not done by QB Builders (see pics) - so I drilled two #19 holes and one 9/16" hole via uni-bit (assume for antenna mount).

Removed cover plates at RH and LH Step per QBF-2 Step 18 (ref Sect 26-10).

removed temp cover plates for Step mounting