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, December 21, 2018

Avionics

RG400 Coax antenna cables ( 3 hrs )

Routed RG400 coax from RH side Fuse at Comm whip antenna through to center tunnel.  Very difficult to pass cable through SB at transition to center tunnel...but eventually worked.  Crimped BNC connector on each end.  (Good videos from Stein Air and HomebuiltHelp , and EAA show how to do this successfully .   Then routed RG400 Coax cable from aft of baggage area through center tunnel up to IP for GPS WAAS antenna.  Crimped on TNC (threaded style  - and expensive at $23 vs $3.25 for BNC)  at antenna end.   Why Garmin uses this expensive connector at this antenna stumps me.   Also re-routed Static, Pitot and AOA air lines at IP.   As I routed coax cable nearby, I discovered perfect spot for a SB750-10 (not referenced in Vans instructions).  So I revised to route coax and these 3 lines together as shown below vs original pass over the vertical support.
coax cable prepped, then center pin crimped on
BNC connector crimped next,
added shrink wrap too


for Comm Antenna on RH bottom of Fuse
TNC (thread on stype) crimped for GPS antenna


routing/securing with static line next step
added snap bushing to vertical support, & re-routed air lines
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