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.

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Avionics

Ignition Wiring (  3 hrs )

Received re-done Floormats and Baggage Floor from Abby at Flightline Interiors.  Much improved fit -- Yay!  [ Note:  after initial trial fit Oct 23 I determined the width of the floormats and baggage area were from 3/8" to 7/8" short - leaving considerable gaps.  Several pics of other RV14's with same interiors showed essentially no gaps.  Abby readily agreed to remake them for me, explaining the templates haven't changed, but a new person may have incorrectly made mine ]   Completed adding cushion clamps to LH side top ignition wires.  Since the red silicone wires for PMAG are larger dia, needed to upsize each from 1-2 steps (ie WDG 4 --> 5 w/ single wire, and WDG 6 --> 8 for two wire locations.   Bundled Mag (bottom cyl 1& 3) with PMAG (top cyl 2 & 4) together behind engine -- another challenge to reach.  I think I can see the light at the end of the wiring tunnel!
baggage floor...fits great now.

LH floormat fits perfectly
Same for RH floormat.   


top ignition wires on LH side.  Larger clamps needed
for silicone wires provided w/ PMAG

PMAG ignition wires under Mag on LH side
behind engine, under oil filter.  bundled Mag wires
 going to RH side (bottom) with those from PMAG
going to LH side (top)


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