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, July 1, 2019

Finish Kit (and others for Final Assembly)

Update re:  1st Engine Run ( 2 hrs )

Routed 20ga red wire from Ignition Switch terminal #4 (ACS Products A-510-2 switch) to Starter Solenoid (ref Vans Sect 43-04) at terminal w/ "S".  Similar to April 16 build log,  I failed to realize neither neither Vans or Stein Air provided instructions for this wire.  The empty box for the ignition switch Stein Air installed, does include instructions from ACS Products ("connect a 20ga from Starter Solenoid to #4 terminal").  In hindsight, seems obvious.  On Saturday, the first time I tried to use the starter to spin engine (w/o any spark plugs installed) to pre-oil engine - nothing happened !  Bill Lane quickly diagnosed the missing wire - and we attached a temp.   Today I routed/attached through firewall - at same firewall penetration shield/grommet added "April 16".  Also, during engine run June 29,  RPMs were displayed 2x actual...kinda unsettling.  Required opening Config mode in G3X, at Engine & Airframe module, selecting 2 pulses/rev with electronic ignition.  Note:  needed to scroll down to find this option...at first didn't appear to be alternative to 1x/rev.   Garmin G3X installation manual at 24.3.5.2 does describe options for 1-4x/revs....so I knew there had to be a way.
Step 4 shows need wire from #4 to Starter Solenoid...duh !
Vans instruction don't identify need (Sect 43-04)


Config Mode:  RPM 1 was originally set to 1X/rev...leading
to way too high RPMs shown during 1st run

Selection from 1st screen leads to this options list...at first
 doesn't seem to offer alternatives for electronic ignition...
but simply scrolling down reveals choices for 2, 3 or 4X

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