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.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage (3 hrs )

Sect 10-2 at Steps 2-6: separating J-Stiffeners, Battery Angles, etc. Lots of edge deburring... Then Sect 10-3 at Steps 1-3: repeat for more J-Stiffeners, Longerons, Bulkhead Doublers. Those Longerons are relatively thick, so edge deburring takes more time...and of course they're LONG, too.
No pics...nothing special yet.

Empennage

Elevator (1.5 hr )

Elevators are done ! (at least all of Sect 9 build) Finished today the Molex connectors (geesh, these are tiny) for the Trim Servo. Installed into Elevator following Steps 1-5 in Sect 9-25. Powered up via 9 volt battery - to the white leads. Reverse is simple switching - and + from battery.

didn't bother to switch ends for LH and RH for picture

Monday, May 16, 2016

Aft Fuselage

Aft Fuselage ( 1 hr )

Started Aft Fuselage, Sect 10-02. Reviewed instructions, highlighting Do Not ____'s ...and other noteworthy portions ! Gathered pieces to separate, etc. Step 1 completed separating 2 plastic pieces into 8 short segments as Cable Guides. Awkward dimensioning of dwg....vs other engrg dwg's that I'm used to, but I made it work anyway.

Build time today cut short - I visited friend, Terry Moushon, and his new RV10 to return his "RV10 bucking bar" used on my elevator. He's just completed 4th one hour flight in his test program. Terrific plane.

Empennage

Elevator (1 hr )

Counterweights installed (2 in LH, 2 in RH). Torqued to 42 in-lbs (28 spec + 14 for friction of lock nut per Sect 5-20). Installed Trim Tab, secured hinge pin w/ .032" safety wire ( I may redo w/ .041" safety wire...tbd)

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Empennage

Elevator ( 2 hrs)

My brother and his wife visited this week from California...so no building Tues - Sat. But lots of fun, including taking him flying for my first time.

Now on Sunday, back to building: Rolled RH Elevator leading edges top and bottom skins. Cleco'd, and ready to blind rivet. Double checked top skin overlapped bottom skin.

broomstick used has convenient "nut" on end...easy to turn with wrench.

Later during evening, returned to complete with blind rivets. Looking good !

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Empennage

Monday May 9, 2016
Elevator (2 hrs )

Sect 9-26 - worked on Counterweights to fit up properly. Trimmed per instructions. Another builder recommended using chisel to remove layer on backside (2 of 4 only). It worked, but slow going on first piece. While my bandsaw with small pitch teeth for metal bound up, I discovered switching to all purpose larger pitch teeth worked really well to cut off the lead as needed. Used wood rasp to level and trim to lines.

Rolled leading edges of LH elevator with help from my wife Nancy. Cleco'd, so ready to do RH next.

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Empennage

Elevators (2.5 hrs )

Nancy and I flew our flying club's C172 from Lacon (C75), Illinois to Effingham, Illinois (1H2) on Friday - just for fun. Visited Mid-America Motorworks (free - w/ lots of Corvettes), and had a great lunch at the Firefly Grill.

So....I skipped building on Friday, but back at it Saturday. Now with 3 days curing of the Foam Ribs (Tank Sealant/ProSeal ), did the final Root Ribs & Tip Ribs rivets. Then the T.E. flush rivets using the "RV14 Safety Pin Squeezing Tool". Tool is critical for reverse wedge on TE.