Steevo's RV14a Build Log: 06/24/19

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, June 24, 2019

Finish Kit (and others for Final Assembly)

Flow test from LH Fuel Tank, Calibrate Fuel Senders ( 4 hrs )

Continued testing Fuel Flow rates for LH Tank, repeating process used for RH Tank.
Test Run 4: 2,123 g fuel added, 1970 g fuel collected.  Unusable = 162 g = 7.6 fluid oz
Flow stabilized at 25.7 gph at 16.4 psi
Test Run 5: 1,970 g fuel added, 1954 g fuel collected.  Unusable = 188 g = 8.8 fluid oz
Flow stabilized at 17.5 gph at 25.3 psi
I skipped the test at no restriction, so only 2 tests for LH Tank. Similar results. No leaks, and no bubbles in flow (so not sucking in air anywhere ahead of pump).

Next, started calibration of Fuel Senders, and confirming 25 gallon capacity. First, with G3X in Config mode, calibrated both LH and RH tanks at "0" fuel level (only Unusable). From airport fuel island, I filled five 5 gallon containers with 100LL. I added to the "collection" bottle to exactly 1 gallon (weight of 2,726 g plus empty container 140 g). Added into each tank, and calibrated:
LH Tank
Quantity Fuel Sender Dipstick
0 2.231v     0"
1 gal 2.065       0"
5 gal 1.602 0.7"
10 1.540 2.2"
15 1.539 3.6"
20 same 5.2"
25 same 7.8"
Pleased with resolution at lower levels. Didn't expect 1 gallon to register on Dipstick, pleased float recorded difference. But, surprised the sender float "topped out" between 10-15 gallons. I expected around 20 gallons, due to dihedral, and the bias of the float to start near bottom of tank that I'd run out of float travel. This seemed sooner than expected.  So emailed Vans builder support, and they responded soon with note "this is normal". Searched VAF for other builder comments, and found no relevant postings. My friend and Tech Counselor Terry found his RV-10 topped out around 20 with his 30 gallon tanks. And he reported Bill Lane's RV-7 stopped changing (topped out) at 10 in one tank, and 15 in other (but smaller tanks).
RH Tank (data gathered on 2nd day, June 25)
Quantity Fuel Sender Dipstick
0 2.231v    0"
1 gal 2.066       0"
5 gal 1.661 0.8"
10 1.262 2.3"
15 0.960 3.75"
20 0.560 5.2"
25 0.459 7.7"
So...now that I have RH tank calibrated, I can see this sender has full travel up to around 24 gallons ( I didn't check when topped at .459...somewhere between 22 and 25 gallons is my estimate). Clearly, the sender in LH tank is blocked from floating higher. I shared this data with Vans build support, so they now know what the values are supposed to be (and my LH tank values above 10 gal are NOT normal -- see their first response above). Fortunately, I'm not relying on these fuel senders for monitoring fuel level beyond 1/2 tank. I'll be relying on fuel totalizer, and dipsticks to judge fuel levels before and during flights.