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.

Friday, September 1, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Frame  ( 3 hrs )

Cont'd Sect 38-10 at Steps 3 to 12.  Added Close Out Panel, then Support Flanges.   Taking extra time to frequently measure w/ digital scale (accurate to 0.1 deg) the LH and RH sides to insure NO TWIST.  Holding to within 0.1 degree.  As progressed, stabilized and held even closer to 0 deg difference.   Drilled 3/32" holes (later enlarge to #40), match drilling into flanges in many locations.  Drilled 1/8" holes (later enlarge to #30), match drilling several locations on forward frame flanges.  Tricky pattern of 1/8 vs 3/32, so marked on panel to insure follow instructions (also drilled 3/32" first, so if make error, I can enlarge to 1/8)
close out panel being cleco'd from center

fit great, aligned really well

Measured each side many times as progressed (here 7.0 deg)
to insure no more than 0.1 deg difference one side to other.

added Support Flanges to rear portion
Added Support Flange (to right in pic)


drilled marked 3/32 holes, started 1/8" (marked so avoid Oh-- #$@%& !)
Part way done with 1/8 ...so far so good.
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)