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.

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

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

Official Empty Weight & Balance ( 4 hrs )

With digital scales provided by Rich Gilbert (borrowed from friend who races stock cars) -- Thanks Rich ! performed the W&B test.  Terry Moushon and Ron Wright were terrific help - Thanks guys!  We used ramps previously built by Terry for his RV-10.  Results were 1,235 lbs (vs Vans demo RV14a at 1,239 lbs)  [ Note:  I saved over 10 lbs with EarthX lithium-iron battery replacing lead acid.  But I added some interior wall panels. Also, I have more primed surfaces, although moderate (only where a layer contacts another layer,  and the QB Wings and QB Fuse have Van's "light" primer treatments.   Believe both are VFR only equipped on panels.]   Actual positioning scales, moving plane, zeroing scales, measuring Arms for Wheel positions -then reversing only took about 1 hr.  Ron's mission was to learn the process, then deliver scales to another builder/pilot to do W&B tomorrow.

                                Weight                        Arm
Right Wheel               439                            96.75"
Left Wheel                 440                            96.69''
Nose Wheel               356                             41.25"

Total                         1, 235 lbs                         Empty CG = 80.73"

Vans demo plane as example has Empty CG = 80.63".  The 0.1" more aft CG makes sense since I have lighter battery at firewall.  But very close!

Also fixed Pin #2 with Black wire for ground crimped.  Success !  I now have RH Landing Light working.  But nothing for either RH or LH Nav lights (but now doesn't trip CB!)

Working

  • Landing Lights (Taxi on LH, Landing on RH)
  • Pitot Heat
  • Aux Fuel Pump (very briefly)
  • Defrost Fans
  • Interior LED lights
  • CO detector
  • USB charging ports
  • Headphones
  • Canopy Warning (need test for above 1700 rpm mode)
  • Flaps (configured for -3 reflex, and 0, 15, 30 degrees)
  • Roll Trim (need confirm correct direction, otherwise reverse in G3x config)
  • Pitch Trim (OK, correct direction)
  • Stall Warning (red visual, flashing warning on G3X, and audio tone in headset)
  • GTP 59 OAT probe (in LH wing)
  • Engine temp sensors (CHT, EGT)  Oil pressure tbd, Oil Temp seems OK at ambient
  • MAP seems to register current barometric pressure

Not Working:

  • Nav lights !
To Be Determined:

  • Fuel Senders,  LH and RH
  • Magnetometer (appears to only need calibration)
  • Fuel Flow sensor (Red Cube)
    Official EMPTY weight: 8 qts Oil on cowl, Wheel pants &
    Fairings positioned (not attached, but fasteners included)

    Plastic protective layer still on Canopy, off of Rear Window

    Good view of scales, with ramps and platform. 
    The 3 scales were all level for/aft and side to side.

    Terry and Ron relaxing knowing we're done!

    pic of readings.  The 439 and 440 weights kept alternating,
    probably w/ slight breeze entering hangar.  But always totaled same

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