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, October 26, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Throttle & Mixture Control Cables ( 4 hrs )

Worked on several tasks related to IP wiring prep for engine sensors. Also, after discussion with Nick Millard and Josh Swenson at Stein Air, I ordered "forest of tabs" grounding plate and related materials. Then completed installation of Mixture Control Cable per Sect 50-03 and Throttle Cable per Sect 50-04, Step 1. Both based on Sect OP-22 with brackets and bellcrank assembly details. Lots of work, but very satisfied with smooth operation of controls. Yay!

Mixture control ...full Lean, against stop. Oops, seeing
picture I realized forgot yellow torque seal on jam nut (done).

Mixture control ...full Rich, against stop.

Bottom of engine. Installed bracket holding Throttle cable.
Second oops...also had to go back to add yellow torque seal
to cable retention nuts (done)

Throttle attached. Shown at Wide Open, against stop

Throttle at Idle...against stop

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Firewall Forward and Finish Kit

Seat Back Snaps and Control Cables ( 2 hrs )

Added button Snaps to top of Seat Frames, using template provided by Flightline Interiors. Snapped cushions onto Seat Frames (stored prior to taking a pic). Connected Prop Cable at Prop Govenor per Sect 50-03, Step 2, and started installing Mixture Cable per Sec 50-03, Step 3 and Section OP-22.

Prop Gov connected to cable control.
Works smoothly...

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Firewall Forward and Finish Kit

Control Cables and Interior ( 3 hrs )

Installed two Adel cushion clamps to left and right sides of Circuit Breaker Panel. Added nylon ties for extra support of cables (see pic). Carefully tightened cable nuts at IP. Yay !...received large box containing interior from Flightline Interiors (Abby) so unpacking was like Christmas morning. Lots of unpacking and trial fitting...then Nancy gave a thumbs up ! We like the color and materials really well: "Condor" vinyl with "Marble" fabric inserts in seats, Marble on upper panels and Condor vinyl on lower panels and armrests. Black joystick boots with gray stitching. Charcoal baggage area and floormats. [note: flash pics / fluorescent lighting affects colors ] Still pending delivery of black seat belt harnesses. Positioned loosely since not ready for final install. Sweet !

underneath control cables

Baggage floor mat...loosely positioned

1st mock up installation. Joysticks and many alum panels not installed, including seat backs

Monday, October 22, 2018

Firewall Forward

Control Cable installation ( 2 hrs )

Installed Throttle, Prop, and Mixture Control Cables, along with Alternate Air Cable per Step 5 and Fig 2 at Sect 50-02. Since I revised location to bottom of Instrument Panel ( vs hung underneath) to provide greater knee clearance and visibility to Circuit Breakers, I'm pleased routing and clearances worked well. The special doubler plate providing uniform surface on backside of IP for the nuts was a perfect fit ( links to Jan 17 and Jan 18, 2018 logs showing details). Thanks Stein Air!

Partially assembled...doubler plate in place

Prop Control Cable routed

all four installed ! working great, too.

view with all four installed. Not fully tightened...yet.

bottom view: pending tightening adel cushion
clamps on each side, and addition of nylon ties
(may not be needed, but convenient plate above)

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Avionics

Circuit Breaker Panel and Heater Cables ( 3 hrs )

Installed Circuit Breaker Panel. Installed RH and LH Cabin Heat Cables per Sect 50-02, Steps 5-7. Required laying face down in Fuselage to reach. It was as hard to get my shoulders and arm into position as I'd imagined --aarrggh. But parts fit and operate well.

eight 6-32 screws installed

yellow arrow on right points to location of heater cable
connection. Looks easier from this view than reality to reach
....at least for my 6'4" body

LH side cable connected

RH side

Friday, October 19, 2018

Avionics

More Harness protection and Circuit Breaker Panel ( 2 hrs )

Added 1" dia split flex tubing protection to main harness under radio tray. Trimmed flanges on backside of Circuit Breaker Panel (actually # F14106 Wiring Channel at Sect 35-10) per special instructions from Stein Air. Insures clearance to copper bus bars in circuit breaker assembly. ( wish I'd known prior to riveting Wiring Channel into center area last year !)