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, June 27, 2017

Fuselage

Control Sticks Aligned & Brake Lines Leak Tested ( 2 hrs )

Aligned Control Sticks to be parallel w/in 1/8" top to bottom (vs slightly more than 1/4" orig) per Sect 36-14.  Torqued Stick Link Pushrod.  Removed Control Sticks to protect Grips/switches.   Decided to perform leak test of brake lines fittings by using schraeder valve supplied for fuel tank leak testing.  Simply replaced breather fitting on top of Brake Fluid Reservoir.  Used soap bubbles on all brass elbows and compression fittings -- no leaks.   Except at schraeder valve (installed w/o thd sealant to avoid contaminating reservoir).  Convenient since this showed what a leak would looks like (see pic).  Checked by removing plastic plug at bottom of Fuse (at gear leg exit) to confirm air flowing all the way through system.  Moved brake pedals/master cyl's to insure air pressurizing all fittings.  Sure was easier now to check for leaks than discovering once brake fluid added later.  Van's Prod Support said hadn't thought about checking for leaks this way, so I sent pics w/ notes
Control sticks interconnected
and parallel

intentionally not sealed at schraeder valve

plugged end of brake line

no leak

no leak

No leaks at all 8 brass elbows, compression fittings
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