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 30, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Baffles, cont'd ( 3 hrs )

Completed Right Air Ramp per Sect 47-10 and Right Forward Baffle at 47-11. Added RTV strips to Left and Right Forward Baffles per Step 1 at Sect 47-12.

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...