Steevo's RV14a Build Log

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, April 1, 2016

Empennage

Elevator (1.5 hrs)
Finished Page 9-2 Step 1 by deburring all edges...a LOT of edges for all 12 Ribs. Time consuming, but good to get these done today.

Step 2 was simply cleco'ing together top and bottom Ribs. The 12th one is top only, since later it will be joined to part of Trim Tap mount for lower portion.

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Empennage

Elevator (1.5 hrs)

Started by reviewing (again) entire section for Elevators (29 pages). HIghlighted special instructions , unique tools, etc.

Sect 9-2 at Step 1: Started with separation of E1008A and B ribs. Used bandsaw first, then grind edges to lines. Will deburr entire pieces soon. Also jumped to Step 3 to separate and deburr the 3 Shear Clips while I was using bandsaw.

Edges not yet deburred.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Empennage

Horiz Stab (2 hrs)

Cont'd Step 4 on Sect 8-12: Finished 3 more sides along Rear Spar. Pleased with straightness and no waviness.

Squeezing last few 426 3-4 flush rivets along Rear Spar.

Removed H.S. from four cradles, and rotated into "flat" position onto carpet over work tables.

Finally riveted center two Nose Ribs, including 5 (x2) rivets to Front Spar using 470 rivets 4-7 and 4-8.

Needed the Offset cup rivet set tool in the rivet gun to reach these. Required increasing pressure several clicks -- seems offset absorbs considerable energy.

Done with Sect 8 ! On to Elevators in Sect 9....

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Empennage

Horiz Stab (3.5 hrs)

Sect 8-12 ( and 13 map). Riveted remaining Inspar Ribs, including ends with Nose Ribs.

before finishing end ribs....

Step 3: Added Rear Spar. Blind riveted spar to inner ribs, and riveted using 470 Universal heads into end ribs and 2 center ribs.

Step 4: Did first 1/4 along Rear Spar at skin to flange rivet line (bottom left skin). These go quickly with easy access while using squeezer.

Monday, March 28, 2016

Empennage

Horiz Stab (1.5 hrs)

Sect 8-12 (& page 13 is a map of rivets lengths), Continued Step 2: Finished riveting Top side to Inspar Ribs - except each end ( I plan to use rivet squeezer for those). Partially done with bottom side.

I'd work longer, but it's time to go flying ! My wife and I taking turns this afternoon flying our club's C172.

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Empennage

Horiz Stab (2.0 hrs)

Continued riveting "up to Stringers" (ie vertical lines near center). Then riveted along Stringers (ie horizontally). Then, per instructions, finish riveting to the remainder of Inspar Ribs...ie all remaining.

Fewer and fewer clecos. Mostly done in center region...

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Empennage

Horiz Stab (1.5 hrs)

Step 2 Sect 8-12: Continued riveting along Rib flanges at inner sub-assembly...up to the Stringers as specified in instructions. This area is kinda challenging since reaching with bucking bar is mostly blind; or by feel....since space and sightline is constrained by Stringers.