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.

Monday, June 17, 2019

Finish Kit (and others...for Final Assembly)

Nutplates added to Bottom Cover ( 4 hrs )

Installed 6 nutplates (3 per side) for Bottom Wing Covers.  Completed fit of Cover around LE up to Top Cover.   Further inspected Connectors at Fuse to Wing:  revealed 9 Pin connector ( carries wiring for both Landing Lights and Nav Lights, as well as Fuel Sender on RH side) had a pin inserted but NO wire.  Cut open heavy duty heat shrink applied by Stein Air and found the end of Black wire for ground about 1" away from connector.  Ran out of time to repair...
Nutplates for Bottom Cowl completed.  I can't
figure out why these are left to builder -
except part of 51% build requirement.
Connector for harness from Fuselage to Wing Harness.
Only #4 position was supposed to be vacant.  But #2
position has a pin, but no wire attached. 
Supposed to be Black, for Ground





shows pin without wire attached
Cut open shrink wrap, and discovered Black wire.  I  suspect
 was pulled out prior to shrink wrap locking all wires together.
This harness is NOT computer checked like other harnesses,
including Common Fuse Harness, and Wing Harness --
 apparently many variations for build content...so non-standard


I pulled Black wire "forward" (there was plenty of slack).
 Will crimp on new pin, after I manage to remove pin in #2
location in connector
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