Steevo's RV14a Build Log: Engine and Avionics

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, May 17, 2019

Engine and Avionics

Final Mounted Snorkel, LED interior lighting, and STILL can't find Fuel System Leak ! ( 4 hrs )

Removed Snorkel (air intake plenum) from fuel servo so I could remove tape at throttle interface (added more than year ago to keep engine "sealed"). Tightened four 1/4" bolts, then safety wired. Ref 47-17 and 47-22, Step 15. Also Configured Lighting in G3X for Red and White LED strips on canopy. In Config mode, selected Cockpit Lighting, then chose PWM Lighting Bus 1, and Input 2 for White LED. Set 0% at 0.0v, and 100% at 12V. Same for Red LED, except Bus 2, Input 1. (After pics taken, I revised setting 30% at 7v for each, so lower portion is easier to modulate...ie non-linear. Pic shows original linear input vs output plot). Still haven't found tiny leak in fuel system (approx 15 psi in 30 min) ...after another 3 hrs with multiple doses of soap bubbles . Connected test equip at input to fuel filter, and got same leak rate - proving fuel valve is NOT source of leak. Re-checked thoroughly every joint from Wing connection to fuel servo...with lots of soap bubbles. NO joy! Totally encapsulated w/ soap bubbles the mechanical fuel pump, electric fuel pump, and Red Cube fuel transducer - trying to detect poor gasket, crack, etc. No joy. So I loosened a connection on test equip, and was surprised although covered in soap bubbles - it didn't "indicate" a leak until I opened a much higher rate of 1 psi drop per 1-2 seconds ! Vans product support wasn't much help today...indicating soap bubbles should work. (Sterling did suggest dunking entire fuselage in my swimming pool, and look for bubbles ...ha !) Another builder (Bill Lane, who's been very helpful) suggested I purchase gas leak detection "blue" fluid (available in hardware stores). It may work better. One advertises capable of magnifying micro-gas leaks as small as 0.65 oz/year into visible foam "cocoons". Wow! IF this doesn't work, I'll have to wait until Wings attached, fuel tanks connected - so I can test for leaks with aviation fuel. VAF has tips to use white paper towels at connections, to show the blue stains from dye in avgas.