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, January 18, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Relocating Throttle/Prop/Mixture Cable Controls (3 hrs )

Trial fit the T/P/M cable template (repositions these cables at bottom of Panel, instead of just below on bracket to provide greater knee room).  Stein Air's Nick Millard has done great job creating this template using 4 mounting screw locations as key reference point.  I used to mark "half-moon" portions of lower crossmember to remove.   Cables installed perfectly, only requiring removal of bracket mid-way back from Panel.   Cable will be anchored to other existing shelf, and use original clamps on LH and RH side, and snap bushing in center.   Designed a doubler to provide uniform contact surface for lockwashers/nuts (just above the crossmember).  Nancy and I both tried them out with successful flights !
prior to removing "half moons" from crossmember.

1 nutplate in center was removed.  Stein Air uses a single Panel,
instead of 3 pieces (center, LH & RH)...so plenty of strength
 even with cutouts.
without doubler above crossmember...


new position about 1.5 inches higher.  They are slightly closer
 (to fit between internal vertical walls).  The Alt Air knob
 is now above, vs below others.    No bracket below Panel

fits me (6 ' 4" tall).   Good hand clearance
fits Nancy  (5' 10" tall)


outline for doubler behind Panel
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