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, March 10, 2017

Wings

RH Wing Skin ( 3 hrs )

Finished last 22 rivets on RH Bottom Outboard Skin. Cleaned off markings. Reinstalled aileron pushrods and torqued. Discovered forgot to add 8 nutplates to the 2 access openings - good thing easy to do after skin was riveted on ! Section 20 is now done. Also prepped for removal of LH fuel tank so I can identify and fix small leak.

inside Pic to insure aileron trim servo springs are still correct.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Wings

RH Bottom Outboard Skin ( 2 hrs )

Nearly finished RH Bottom Skin - only 22 more rivets along Main Spar remaining. Certainly satisfying to see how good this is turning out.

Took a selfie...who's the old guy ?

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Wings

RH Lower Outboard Skin ( 3 hrs )

Nancy assisted again with RH Bottom Outboard Skin rivets - this time we did 165 in 3 hrs. I can do the remainder alone, too.

Monday, March 6, 2017

Wings

RH Wing Bottom Skin ( 4 hrs )

Returned from whole month of February in Arizona and California. Back to building ! Lengthened 2 wires to AP Servo Harness at outboard installation location that were several inches shorter than all others in harness by splicing in needed length. These were in the way to access the servo and aileron bellcrank. See Sect 19-06. Used ES320559 Butt Splices with #22 wire for C1034 (wht) and C1035 (wht) wires (these connect to molex at Aileron Trim Servo...for feedback). Now they're bundled with all other wires in vicinity, providing better access to AP Servo.

Nancy assisted as 'Rosie the Riveter' again for the RH Bottom Outboard Skin W00005-R. She's getting really good, too. Good progress considering starting with longest reach to Rear Spar, and around Flap hinge bracket. Only 80 done, but faster than 1st time on LH Wing!

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Wings

LH Wing Bottom Skin ( 3 hrs )

Reference Sect 20-04 & -05. Finished last 11 rivets for LH Bottom Skin when Nancy available to assist again. She's now an accomplished riveter ! For RH Bottom Skin, I deburred all holes, and dimpled 16 of the #19 holes for nutplates at the Access openings, then dimpled all the #40 holes. Cleco'd to RH Wing...ready to start riveting.

LH Wing Bottom Skin done. Yay !
Installed cover to Stall Warning access

RH Wing cleco'd ...ready to start riveting.

Monday, January 30, 2017

Wings

LH Wings ( 3 hrs )

Machine C'sunk 16 locations on QB Wings along inboard top edge (triple layer wing walk area) that builders for Vans forgot to do - after confirmation from Vans. I had installed nutplates in these locations previously. I used #30 countersink since smaller diameter pilot fits inside threaded portion of nutplates. Worked great.

Overlapped area of outboard skin over inboard skin
with smooth transition to forward section.

Nearly completed LH Bottom Skins - waiting for Nancy to assist in order to finish last row along one rib that is hard to do by myself.

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Wings

LH Wings -Pitot Mast mounted ( 2 hrs )

With Nancy's help, riveted more LH Bottom Skin. Especially pleased with getting Pitot tube Mast Mount installed. Tubes for Pitot and AOA are ready too, once I buy Garmin's GAP 26 Pitot. Seems relatively solid.