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, June 3, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 3 hrs )

Finished machine countersinks on longeron per Sect 10-14, plus dimpled other J-Stiffeners. Back to scuffing, cleaning w/ acetone and spraying 7220 Primer. Time consuming, but progress. New Back Rivet Bucking Bar from Cleaveland Aircraft Tools delivered today (also Static Air Kit to replace Van's "cheaper" version). Planning Saturday to rivet Aft Fuselage Bottom Skin, Bulkheads, etc with my wife's assistance.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 3 hrs )

EAA Tech Counseler, Sam Sisk inspected build progress (2nd visit). Good discussion w/ positive feedback. Thanks Sam !

Postponed Step 6 pending delivery of Round Bucking Bar for Backriveting Skins...from Cleaveland Aircraft Tools. So skipped ahead to Sect 10-14 to more dimpling of side J-Stiffeners, plus machine countersinks long C channels (1 of 2 done).

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Shop A/C unit added

A/C for Airplane Factory

Purchased from Menards for $278 this portable 10,000 BTU A/C. Runs on 115 a/c at 9.3 amps max...so readily accommodated. Used 1x8 board from Van's Empennage Kit crate to allow 6" diameter exhaust ...and extra hole for water drain hose. This is good option vs blocking my man door at other end of garage with window unit, etc.

Really pleased it's relatively quiet with lots of air flow, and puts out considerable cold air. First day was not above 80's outside, but was very humid. Kept the shop very comfortable even not "on" all the time. AMEN !

Note: removed guide wheels from top section, so could hold upper section "tight" against door frame seals. Rigged door so can't be opened, and unplugged door opener for the summer or until needed...

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 5 hrs )

Yesterday bought, then installed portable A/C unit for shop - exhausting under garage door. Used 1x8 board from Empennage kit crate. Works great ! (see shop posting for info)

Sect 10-13, Step 1 riveted Battery Angle and Bellcrank Rib Assembly to Bulkhead with 6 rivets. Two required rivet gun and titanium bucking bar to reach. Then dimpled per Steps 2 & 3, which required first deburring all holes, and edges while at it on Bottom Skin and six J-stiffeners. ( 2 longest are actually part of next section, but identified in this section by Van's to dimple ). C-Frame hasn't been used for awhile, but works great. Lot's of time to deburr and dimple all these holes.

Step 4 & 5 cleco'd Bulkheads, J-stiffeners to Bottom Skin. Marked perimeter for "no rivets", too. Beginning to look like a fuselage...finally.

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage (3 hrs )

Sect 10-12, Steps 4, 6-8: Dimpled Bulkhead for nutplates (2 types). Scuff, clean, and primed Bellcrank Ribs and Bulkhead. Riveted Battery Angles onto Bellcrank Ribs, then nutplates onto Bulkhead, and finally riveted into sub-assembly.

Pic below shows 2 washers added to die on Main Squeeze to clear flange just enough. Fully retracted movable end with Universal head, so that was really close to having to use rivet gun.

Friday, May 27, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 2.5 hrs )

Sect 10-11, Steps 6 & 8: Machine countersunk Battery Angles for flush rivets to retain nutplates - then riveted on the nutplates. note: 2 are are different #/size thd. (also 2 locations are NOT used as in RV10 on same parts).
Sect 10-12 - Separated and deburred all edges on Bellcrank Ribs. Deburred edges on F01406B Bulkhead. Cleco'd Bellcrank Ribs & Battery Angles together to Final Drill #30 holes. Dimpled flanges for Battery Bulkhead also.

Pic below is mock up assembly prior to scuff, clean, prime... Still some more dimples and nutplates on bulkhead.

Empennage

Thursday, May 25, 2016
Aft Fuselage (4.5 hrs )

Sect 10-11 Steps 2-5: Finished deburring - geesh, there's a lot of edges due to slots for longerons, etc plus many lightening holes. Repeated scuff, clean w/ acetone, and spray Primer 7220 (Napa brand). Riveted bulkheads. Mostly completed Battery Angles steps to add nutplates on same section.