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, July 19, 2018

Finish Kit

Front Wheel Fairing ( 2 hrs )

Primed Standoffs.  Marked centerline per 46A-09, Step 4.  Since Fairings are not translucent (earlier versions were prior to Vans providing now with pinhole filler primer which is opaque), I explored using provided spherical magnets to locate holes in Fairing.  Drilled #40 holes in Brackets per Step 1 at 46A-10, then glued sph magnets temporarily using drop of cyanoacrylate.  Also made spacer block per Step 2, 46A-10.  Experimented with lifting nosewheel to 0 to 1/16" off ground (results in fuselage at 2.8 deg vs level, so need to compensate -raising "tail", or ? )
spherical magnets temporarily glued to facilitate
determining location of holes in Fairing (use sph
magnets on outside)
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