Steevo's RV14a Build Log: 06/10/18

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.

Sunday, June 10, 2018

Finish Kit

Inlet Ramps, etc ( 3 hrs )

Applied small RTV patches on firewall to prevent chafing from vertical hinge pin ends per Steps 1 & 2 at Sect 45-21. Then mounted Top Cowl to insure alignment at lower aft edge of Bottom Cowl. Used F14133-1 drill template for locating 6 holes to attach Bottom Cowl to Fuselage per Steps 3-7 at 45-21. Removed Top and Bottom Cowl, then re-assembled to prep for cutting out for Cowl Pin Covers. Coated Top Cowl with epoxy in new transition areas per Step 12 at 45-20. I'm revising Oil Door to use single "Cessna style flush latch". So I filled 2 large holes with AN426A-6-7 (spl ordered these large, soft rivets). First Mach C'sunk, then riveted, and ground/sanded smooth. Pleased with result! (see May 18 post with pic of test pieces and latch)

sanded filler areas for smooth transition with baffle seals

after drilling, inserted screws...it worked !

w/o template

another view underneath......plastic washers not used yet...

rare view underneath. Exhaust routes through tunnel.

RTV applied to firewall to minimize chaffing

re-assembled to work on Cowl Pin Covers

Since 1st one worked, proceeding
with C'sinking 2nd hole

backside will have "ugly" smashed rivet.
Probably not going to grind off

top surface after grinding / sanding flush head

Finish Kit

Inlet Ramps on Top Cowl ( 1 hr )

Sanded, mixed epoxy-microballoon mix, applied to areas indicated in Fig 1 to provide smooth transitions for baffle seals. (note: I temporarily positioned Top Cowl onto Fuse to mark baffle alignment onto Inlet Ramps as double check) Filled holes from clecos. Steps 5-11 per Sect 45-20.

black marks on Inlet Ramps indicate locations for
baffles at transitions to Cowl