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, May 18, 2018

Finish Kit

Cowling clean up, Cowl Pins, Oil Door revision ( 4 hrs )

Trimmed aft edges of both Top and Bottom Cowls per Steps 11 & 12 at 45-05.  Cleaned up mating surfaces per 45-06 Steps 1-4.  Started 45-07, aligning Top to Bottom along mating surfaces, holding with clamps.   After couple iterations, getting close....    Received new Cowl Pin Covers from Aerosport Products.  Will replace external tabs & screw in Vans design with these flush mount beauties !  Also received from Aircraft Spruce the large AN526A(soft)6-7 rivets.  These 3/16" dia rivets will fill the 1/4" holes pre punched in Oil Door for Quarter Turn fasteners - also external.  I'm using the KM610-64 latch that mounts flush (used on Cessnas, and many other RV builders).  Pricey, but like the flush,  easy open design.  I bought mine at Aircraft Spruce (others were lower cost, but charged much more for shipping).  So I practised filling a couple 1/4" holes in same thickness alum today.  C'sink almost flush topside, then slightly C'sink bottom to insure rivet retention.
Until I got to this point, was concerned about how the top and bottom would
be aligned. But Vans has good instructions and procedure.

Looking good!  Cowl Pin Covers with Left and Right templates

Revising Oil Door to fill two 1/4" holes in corners.  Plan to
mount Cessna style KM610-64 latch instead.

Trial filling of 1/4" holes with large "soft" 3/16" dia rivets. 
Will be able to get smooth top surface
3/16" rivets easily expands to fill 1/4" holes. Shallow C'sink on
bottom, so not sure if grind smooth, or leave some for strength.
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