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.

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

More Baffles ( 2 hrs )

Deburred holes and edges on several cowl baffle pieces for Sect 47-10 & -11. Added nutplates and applied RTV to Vent Screen and Vent DL-03.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Left Air Ramp and Air Filter Frame ( 3 hrs )

Assembled Left Air Ramp and Air Filter Frame - mix of deburring and cutting/sanding fiberglass. Completed Sect 47-08 Steps 11-11, and Steps 1-9 at Sect 47-09 - except a few details.

fiberglass frame cut to size, nutplates riveted on

Left Forward Baffle nearing completion.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

RTV on Cowl Baffles ( 2 hrs )

Installed Brackets to engine per Steps 2-6 at Sect 47-06. Applied Red RTV (high temp) to Aft Baffles per 47-07. Tip by Vans to use masking tape works well to provide neat "stripes".

fwd bracket left finger tight until baffle installed

1 of 2 done - masking tape helps keep mess to minimum.

Monday, March 26, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Cowl Baffles cont'd ( 2 hrs )

Completed Cylinder 3 Baffle and RH Aft Baffle at 47-05, Steps 1-5. I've decided to not prime or paint the cowl baffles after checking what several other builders have done (or not done). Prepped Aft Center and Center Brackets per Sect 47-06 - these I decided to prime and paint ( Rustoleum Professional Stainless Steel).

rear side of Right Aft Baffle

deburred, buffed, then primed and finish coated brackets w/
Rustoleum Professional Stainless Steel color used
elsewhere on firewall

Saturday, March 24, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Continued Cowl Baffles ( 4 hrs )

Completed Left Aft Baffle per Steps 1-8 @ Sect 47-03, and Right Aft Baffle Steps 1-11 @ 47-04. Variety rivets, Mach C'sink, and dimpling for "entertainment".

Friday, March 23, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Cowl Baffles ( 3 hrs )

Cut 6 lengths of 1" dia. PVC pipe to exactly 2.125" per "Simulating the Propeller for Fitting the Cowl" (re: Vans website at Construction FAQs). Attached Spinner Backplate with 6 std hardware 1/2-20 x 3" bolts. Ready to start fitting Cowl in place per Sect 45 in Finish Kit. Decided instead to do Sect 47 Cowl Baffles - seemed ready to do more deburring and riveting. Completed Sect 47-02, Steps 1-8 Cylinder Baffles with addition of doublers.

spacers at 2 1/8" simulate actual CS Prop Hub

first parts of Cowl Baffle riveted...

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Fuel Injection Servo installation ( 2 hrs )

Installed Avstar Fuel Inj Servo model AVX-5VA1 (serial # AV039955, part list # AVX3015006-1) to engine sump/air box with gasket #66224. All provided with engine from Lycoming. Attached and torqued fuel lines. Also consulted with Vans Tech Support, and decided to proceed with Sect 45 Cowling (from Finish Kit) next, prior Sect 44: Spinner and Propeller. Vans website provides Construction FAQs including "Simulating Propeller for Fitting the Cowl" - which positions the spinner backplate for alignment of cowl without mounting Prop, Hub, and Spinner.

beauty shot... mixture lever side

throttle lever side

lever will be changed about 90 deg clockwise (down and back)

model and serial number plate on bottom