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.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Avionics

Discrete #3 for Canopy Warning, LH Joystick fix (3 hrs)

Received extractor tool from Stein Air so I could switch wires in connector J244 on GEA24.  Switched wires at Pin 41 and Pin 42, so Purple/Blu wire now at #42 = Discrete #3.  (and Purple/Grn is now at Pin 41, for Discrete #2).  Needed to align Discrete #3 with code within Canopy Warning program from Vans  (recently uploaded into G3X).   Also checked all 9 pins in LH Joystick connector:  confirmed need to switch wires in Pin 1 (black) and Pin 2 (orange) for correct Trim Up vs Trim Down to be same as RH Joystick.   Kevin (owner of Tosten grips) has been helpful, and is sending new Molex pins to crimp on when I switch wires.   Confirmed AP/CWS switch failure to work is not in joystick, but LH Common Fuse Harness.  Josh at Stein Air helped explore fix.  Seems best option is to install jumper from LH 50 pin connector Pin #3 to RH 50 Pin Connector Pin #18.   OR...run wire from Pin 9 in Common Fuse Harness at LH Joystick to RH Joystick Pin #9 wire (ie joystick to joystick).  Learned this wire sends signal to AP servos...not IP...so not connected to anything at panel.   tbd....!
J244 connector at GEA24 partially dis-assembled, but prior
 to swap Purple/Blu with Purple/Grn. 
 This aligned Discrete #3 w/ Canopy Warning program.
Success!  Canopy Warning appears as "Check Canopy".  Flashes
 for about 5 seconds, then steady on.  Above 1700 RPM, should
also hear audio warning.   (Other warnings due to engine
 not running, etc.) [sorry- hard to get focused pics of display]

Notes documenting Pin and wire color
for LH Joystick
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