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.

Friday, August 24, 2018

Empennage Kit

Empennage Fairing ( 4 hrs )

Trimmed Empennage Fairing to within 1/8" scribe line per Sect 12-10, Steps 1 & 2.   Retrieved from storage the Horiz Stab and Vertical Stab to mount to Fuselage.  Added Emp Gap Covers F12111 L & R.  Since Fairing is opaque due to primer/filler coating, I marked center-line of nutplate holes along Fuselage, HS, & VS - including mark at 50 mm distance.  Will use to transfer hole center-line to Fairing when drilling (vs light inside which would required sanding off coating at each location, OR using the spherical magnets).    Per Steps 3-5 at Sect 12-10,  I did many iterations of marking interference at leading edge of VS and HS, then grind/sand some...repeat.    I eventually achieved good, tight fit. 
trimmed excess...leaving 1/8" at scribe line
temporary mounting HS and VS


marked line from centerline nutplate holes, with cross mark
 at 50  mm.  Will allow accurately locating blind holes to drill 

first pass... interference at VS preventing Fairing from
contacting HS leading edge...but close

after several iterations of grinding/sanding inside
Fairing, getting good fit around all leading edges

good fit at VS leading edge