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.

Friday, January 25, 2019

Firewall Forward Kit - Propeller

Spinner completed ( 3 hrs )

Loosened Spinner Plate from Prop Hub (actually removed nuts and washers so completely "off") so I could rivet Gap Fillers per Sect 44-07, Step 7.   Re-assembled & torqued Hub bolts/nuts to 21 ft-lbs per Hartzell Manual Table 3-1.  Trial fit Top Cowl to check gap to Spinner Plate.   Marked Spinner to trim to match edge of Spinner Plate.  Re-installed Spinner and sanded flush to edge of Plate completing Step 8, Sect 44-08.   Now done with Propeller and Spinner!
Spinner Plate loose from Hub to enable
riveting Gap Fillers
Re-installed Spinner Plate after riveting each Gap Filler.   Excess past edge of Spinner Plate yet to be removed


checking with Top Cowl to insure clearance, and
need to remove aft edge Gap Filler, as well as
similar overhang on Spinner.   ( after this pic, 
sanded Gap Filler and Spinner flush to aft edge
of Spinner Plate)
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