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 13, 2019

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

Fuel Lines between Fuse and Wings ( 4 hrs )

Attempted to install LH and RH Fuel Lines between Wing tank and Fuselage.  My tube bending tool doesn't all the "S" bends from one direction to opposite direction with the short straight length between - so those I made Dec 29, 2017 don't quite fit -- almost, but I couldn't coax them into alignment.  I got the LH to sorta fit by over-bending into a "Z" shape...but still required forcing.   So I contacted Steve at Aircraft Specialty - he's sending both (note from future: rec'd 17th)
 I did manage to get the LH one "installed", but
they weren't aligned (from other viewing angle).
 Since I couldn't get the RH this close, I decided
to simply order both from Aircraft Specialty.
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