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, December 11, 2018

Avionics

Pitot and AOA lines ( 2 hrs )


  • Routed blue 1/4" OD nylon air line for AOA through fuselage from wing root to IP. 
  • Routed "white" line for Pitot.   
  • and Red line in Fuselage is for Static air (routed recently)
Also replaced white line in LH Wing with blue line ( so now matched).  Cleaveland Tools had 25' of 1/4" OD blue line for only $6.35, so I had plenty for both Wing and Fuselage.  I purchased simple air coupler from Stein Air for joining air lines at wing root/fuselage...so I could route air lines in Wing completely, and in Fuselage completely now (vs when joining Wing to Fuselage).  Also, I routed 14ga Red wire from LH Wing root out to Pitot mast, along blue air line.  This will connect heater function on Pitot (non-regulated).
Static (red),  AOA (blue), and Pitot (white) lines to IP

Past spar, out to LH Wing root/fuselage
 

Red 14ga wire for heater function on Garmin GAP 26 Pitot. 
White line is for Pitot, Blue is for AOA

about 1/2 way to Pitot in LH Wing. 
Aileron pushrod not installed to bellcrank visible in bay