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.

Monday, October 15, 2018

Avionics

Instrument Panel wire protection ( 2 hrs )

Added wire protection at various locations, including edge protection and either split corrugated tubing or spiral wrap. Lots of exploring options and planning routing.

Friday, October 12, 2018

Avionics

Radio Installation ( 3 hrs )

Just returned from 2 wk "road trip" to Niagara Falls, Montreal, and Quebec City in Canada and Bar Harbor, Maine and Franconia, New Hampshire. Great fall colors and good time with family and friends. Now, back to building! Positioned tray for GTR 200 Radio in center stack. Drilled 6 holes for mounting to side supports. Created .038" shims to fill gaps each side and assembled with 6-32 screws. Finally, test fit both Radio and GMC 307 Auto Pilot into center stack. Tah-dah ! ...good fit.

Shims created - ready to
install GTR 200 tray.

showing position of shims. extra length helps in positioning
during installation.

G5, GMC307 autopilot, and GTR200 Radio.
(allen wrench still inserted into retention mechanism)

from overhead, between vertical supports

Friday, September 21, 2018

Avionics

Misc installations at IP ( 3 hrs )

Installed 8-32 screw & locknut anchoring Glove Box to Subpanel. Installed CO Detector Test/Reset button. Mounted CD40 CO Detector to top of Glove Box. Mounted ACK model E-04 121.5/406 Mhz ELT switch/light module to IP with black flathead screws & locknuts. Connected 2 large connectors to GEA24. Re-installed GTX 45R transponder. Lots of cable retention / protection remaining !

ELT switch module and CO Detector test button installed

Inside view prior transponder re-install

CD40 installed on top of Glove Box

GEA24 connected

GTX 45R transponder re-installed.
Harness routing and protection yet to be done

top view over GEA24, Avionics Bus, CD40,
with GTX 45R below

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Avionics

Instrument Panel installed ( 4 hrs )

Big day ! With excellent help from Rex (brother-in-law) and wife, Nancy we lifted IP into cockpit. Nancy had great idea to gather the wire harnesses and various attached components into blanket to lift along with IP all at once from floor up into cockpit ! Yay!) Managed to loop all harnesses and components into space ahead of pilot's side so IP could be moved into position to start attaching with flathead screws. Perfect fit! Started routing harnesses and sub-components to LH, center, and RH sides. Attached GAD27 to subpanel. Good progress...but a lot yet to do.

Rex's help was essential to move panel into position. Thanks Rex!

nothing in center stack...yet

initial connections...

another view LH side....preliminary routing

RH side. RAM mount for iPad will be added in open space

avionics bus installed

close up of switch labels

early routing...will be adding radio tray, etc

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Avionics

Install GPS 20A, etc ( 3 hrs )

Installed 4 nutplates and mounted GPS 20A. Removed canopy. Prepped for installing Instrument Panel next. Brother-in-law, Rex was great help moving canopy and bringing IP shipping crate up from basement. Ready for the big install !

GPS 20A installed.

Overview...just prior to removing canopy so easier to install IP.

(also found I can reach top nutplates for GAD27 location easier,

so I should have done earlier)

Monday, September 17, 2018

Avionics

GAD27 and GPS20A installed ( 3 hrs )

Measured GAD27 (already connected to IP harness by Stein Air, so didn't remove) to make a template, then drilled four #10 holes for 10-32 pan heads on LH subpanel. Installed 4 nutplates. Positioned GPS20A and drilled 4 #10 holes. Installing top 2 nutplates for GAD27 was very difficult, so I changed to blind rivets.

Nutplates installed for GAD27, GPS20A positioned (holes drilled).

Saturday, September 15, 2018

Avionics

GEA 24 and Avionics Bus install ( 2 hrs )

Installed four 10-32 nutplates to sub-panel, then mounted Garmin GEA 24. Made cardboard template for "avionics bus", drilled four holes for 8-32 screws. Stein provided 1/2" long standoffs which work well in this location. I mounted above where GTR 200 Radio tray will be mounted for clearance.

GEA 24 installed to sub-panel

since pre-wired to main harness, I made template to locate
mounting holes for Avionics bus.

avionics bus