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, July 22, 2016

Empennage

Empennage Attach ( 1 hr )

New Section 11, Empennage Attach started with installation of 4 rod bearings in Elevator ( 2 each LH and RH). Instructions state 13/16" from spar surface to hole center - which is kinda tricky to measure - but confident got them consistently all at 13/16". (Van's instructions: "as close as possible" does leave tolerance up to builder - so 'eye ball exact' was my criteria)

From straight above, and w/ swivel centered, does measure 13/16"

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 2 hrs )

Prepared fuselage for Nancy to lay inside for the final rivets at the Top Skin. We used empty 2 liter soda bottles as air bladders to support large cushions. Worked great - no problems with center Battery Angle & Bellcrank Rib Assembly. What a trooper - she helped buck all the rivets from inside in one session ! Yahoo ! done with Aft Fuselage build.

Installed access plates - optional version w/ flush screws.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 1.5 hrs )

Finished 9 rivets along longeron for RH Top Side Skin with Nancy's help bucking from inside. Started Sect 10-32 - last page for Aft Fuse build ! Cleco'd in Top Skin, then removed to increase the "break" along rearmost portion where side skins have tightest radii. Used hand seamer, per Van's notes. Better, but LH Side Skin has slight waviness due to dimpling that can't be corrected under the Top Skin. Not much, but more "break" wouldn't eliminate either. So... it'll fly great anyway. Since Nancy was helping install cleco's, we went ahead and inserted 100%, although probably not necessary.

Riveted rearmost area using my long reach...including some at next bulkhead. Next, need to lower assembly to floor and prepare for Nancy to back rivet from inside. Oooh - boy !

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 1.5 hrs )

Riveted RH Top Side Skin along longeron, and 3 bulkheads. That's all I could reach...even with my longer than average arms. So waiting until Nancy is available to assist with remaining approx 10 rivets along forward portion of longeron.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 1.5 hrs )

Dimpled RH Top Side Skin, then mounted to Aft Fuse via cleco's. Ready to rivet !

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 3 hrs )

Nancy again helped finish rivets along 3 bulkheads for LH Top Skin.

Then I started RH Top Skin prep by deburring all holes, and edges (sanded first with 180, then 400 grit. For some of the rougher edges, I use a large file to smooth first ). Also rolled edges (ie "break" edges to insure lay tight onto overlapped skin.

Saturday, July 16, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 1 hrs )

Again my wife helped me during riveting of LH Top Side Skin onto Aft Fuselage along longeron - she used tungsten bucking bar inside while I used flush set in rivet gun. Turned out great. Beautiful weather, so we quit to go ride our Harley (about 78 degrees, low humidity...unusually "mild" for this time of year)

Staged this pic, because she was on other side holding bucking bar actually.