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 5, 2018

Finish Kit

Wheel Fairings mounted ( 7 hrs )

Completed 46A-03 for LH Fairing, so proceeded cutting Gear Leg openings per 46A-04.  Mounted LH and RH Fairings to Wheel/Leg assemblies.  Only small tweaks needed at Gear Legs to insure 1/16" clearance.  Marked 5/8" clearance around tire at bottom (this is challenging while laying on floor !).  Trimmed off and reattached to confirm good, uniform clearance to tire to complete 46A-06.  Final drilled #19 holes in Fairing aligned with Brackets/nutplates.  Removed Fairings ...again.  Mixed epoxy/flox mix, applied 1/16' - 1/8" thick layer on inside where Brackets contact Fairings per Steps 1-5 at Sect  46A-07.  Re-mounted Fairings to "mold" flox mix to internal contour vs flat Brackets.  This was very messy and difficult since hard to align and start screws with flox in the way.  Persistence paid off.  After cures, sure hope they all come off ! (tape layer, Boelube on threads, and Turtle Wax should work)
Completed LH drilling and cleco'ing
tweaked clearance at Gear Leg and brake line


Super pleased with fit and alignment
floor level showing tire clearance prior
marking/trimming for 5/8" clearance all around


final trim to 5/8".  (block used to mark & check when installed)
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