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.

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Finish Kit (and others for Final Assembly)



Magnetometer Interference and Joystick re-position ( 5 hrs )

Repeated full Magnetometer Interference test.  Again, Pitot Heat was only 12% (way below 100% limit), and quickly settled to zero.  Passed overall - the aileron movement full right was worst at 43%.   Note for future diagnosis, maintenance:  LH Wing Root has red 14ga wire from Pitot as 3rd ground wire attached to Fuse (see pic below).   Moved on to another issue to resolve:  full elevator down/full right aileron has Josten grip on top of LH Joystick contacting throttle knob (approx 1/4" interference), I adjusted pushrod tying LH to RH joysticks so leans 1/4" to left (non-parallel with RH joystick). This required same adjustment opposite direction for pushrod (CS0005?) going to LH Wing.  Simultaneously I used Aileron template and bellcrank template to insure maintained perfect alignment of both LH and RH ailerons.  Very time consuming to re-assemble below joystick with required washers - even with my "washer wrenches" it took several attempts for each washer.  Now I have zero contact with either LH or RH joystick.  My DAR confirmed FAA criteria for airworthiness is no contact throughout joystick travel (even though extreme positions, and I have to move leg out of the way).
Red 14ga ground wire from Pitot to Fuse side 
in LH Wing root area.   
Passed Magnetometer interference test.  Now Pitot
heat is one of lower amounts. The worst case listed
 at 11 seconds was aileron full left.


Prior to adjusting LH Joystick 1/4" to Left so no contact with
Throttle.  The T shape on Josten grip contributed to conflict,
but mostly moving the T/P/M controls from below panel,
to along bottom perimeter of panel was main culprit.
Posted by at
Labels:

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)