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.

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 1 hr)

Sect 10-21: Installed 3 sizes of snap bushings in various locations...some for rudder cable, others for antenna, etc Then routed the Rudder Cables. Needed to machine C'sink the "nylon" blocks to fit #30 size dimples on Side Skin. Ran out of time to rivet these in place...

View inside aft fuselage showing cable guides.

Nancy's ready to go flying !

Friday, July 1, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 1 hr )

Finished Sect 10-19 (finally...a lengthy page with essentially one step...riveting). Nancy's help was significant for LH Side joint to Bottom. I was again underneath on a chaise lounge chair brought in from pool area, while she held the titanium bucking bar from top/inside. Next, Sect 10-21 for installing rudder cables.

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage (2 hrs )

Sect 10-20 - Finished 8 nutplates on RH Access Plate opening. Added the 12 nutplates along top - rear fuselage (for retention of fiberglass around Horiz Stab later ). Step 4 completed with 2 Angle Stiffeners in rearmost portion of fuselage along Side Skins. Small space...so one on each side was hard to reach. After Nancy helps with last rivets along LH side at joint to Bottom Skin, ready to move to rudder cable install, etc.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage (2.5 hrs )

Jumped ahead to Sect 10-20 to rivet on the Rudder Stops (LH & RH sides). Challenging access - but perseverance won out. Since I've chosen the Optional access plate mounting using flush screws...next task is to Machine C'sunk top 2 nutplate locations each side (longeron is too thick to dimple, so instructions are to simply C'S now). Then riveted on all 8 nutplates on RH side. Ready to enjoy another beautiful day with mild temps around 77 deg with low humidity - time to ride the Harley, then fly R/C this evening (essentially no wind today !)

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 1.5 hrs )

After flying our club's C172 to Rochelle and back this am for breakfast (beautiful cooler weather around 75 deg), Nancy helped me rivet along the RH Side Skin to Bottom Skin joint. I layed underneath on chaise lounge chair using the flush set in rivet gun, while she used the titanium bucking bar from above. Worked really well...again, tight overlap with no waviness between rivets.

Monday, June 27, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage (2 hrs )

Cont'd Sect 10-19. Riveting w/ longer -4 rivets (for extra layer) along LH and RH Aft Fuselage Bottom. Really satisfying to see final fit along Side Skins to Bottom Skin...no waviness.

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage (1 hr )

Cont'd Sect 10-19 riveting along lower curved portion of LH Skin at J-stiffener. Only very lowest row of rivets along curved Side Skin joining to Bottom Skin, and at "Tail" rear section remain.