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.

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Avionics

Canopy Harness installation ( 4 hrs )

Added cushion clamp ( size -7) to retain extra cable at LH sub-panel forward of G3X Touch 460 panel, etc.  My wife Nancy helped re-mount canopy so I could start Canopy Harness installation.  Routed 40" of safety wire through LH side of Canopy per step 5 in Sect 61-03.  Drilled holes for Garmin GA 26C GPS antenna in upper surface (ie dash).  Since BNC connector pre-connected by Garmin to antenna, needed 3/4" hole to pass (used uni-bit).  Mounted w 2 supplied screws.  Tah-dah!  Prepped 2 defrost fan's black & red wires per Steps 1 & 2, Sect 61-02.  Routed W2128 (Wht/Brn) and W2129 (Blk) wire through canopy frame pulling pre-positioned safety wire out of aft oval hole per Sect 61-03, Steps 1-4.  Protected these wires along canopy shelf via clear spiral wrap retained with cable ties.
cushion (adel) clamp securing extra harness. 

mounted GA 26C GPS antenna per Sect 61. 
(pre-attached BNC to wire req'd 3/4" hole to pass)



safety wire routed from front to aft
opening in LH canopy
wires pulled through, crimped connectors, & attached to micro
switch. (warns canopy not latched if RPM above 1700 RPM )
[ note: silicone sealant in oval opening yet to be added ] 

wires routed to center, gathered with LH defrost fan.
translucent spiral wrap added,
secured w/ cable ties
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