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.

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Avionics

Avionics installation ( 3 hrs )

Fabricated support for GTX-45R transponder with pair of piano hinges (left over from seat back build).  Used hinge pins not used for engine cowling (since converted to Cowl Pin Covers) ...so integral retention tabs.  And extra 0.032" alum scraps provided by Vans in kit as extra material.   Will cut out center area for weight reduction and cooling, then rivet these plates to hinges.   Simply remove each pin to remove transponder if service needed.
marked zone to remove on each 1/2 plate, corresponding
 to opening in tray provided by Garmin

Bottom view.  Shows pin retention tabs.   Used two 4" wide
scraps, which enables easy cutting out "center" prior to
riveting to hinges.   Eyeballed location of rivets, since
not visible (those under sub-panel were challenging to do)

Used tray in position to mark center area to cut out. Biased
 unit forward to clear "stuff" on backside of instrument panel.
Rectangular opening in sub panel is for portion of deep glove 
box running from Instrument panel forward.

checking location of GEA24.  Having glove box on instrument
panel compromises space available, but will be niceto have
storage in panel
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