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.

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage (1.5 hrs)

After enjoying morning taking turns flying around the pattern today in our clubs C172, my wife & I returned home to rivet fuselage side skins. Good to have her assistance back riveting (she's using the bucking bar on outside, I'm using back rivet set in rivet gun addressing shop heads from inside).

Progress...RH side essentially done on "flat". Curved bottom next...

Monday, June 20, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage (4 hrs)

Sect 10-19: Used blue tape to mask over holes NOT to rivet...yet. Took 45 min to study dwg and designate on LH and RH sides...but saves oops later. Step 1 - riveting flat sides first (save curved sides for last to help sides lay tight, per instructions). Slow going, but progress on RH side. Back rivet seems best. However, some require flush set in gun with titanium bucking bar on inside to reach.

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 1 hr)

Sect 10-17, Riveted (16) F1411 Bulkhead to Lower Aft Fuselage - with assist from wife using bucking bar from above while I applied flush rivet set/rivet gun from underneath. Repeated at F1410 Bulkhead with Bottom Skin and forward edge of Lower Aft Fuselage...just 6 rivets. Now onto both sides...

Friday, June 17, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage (3 hrs )

Sect 10-14 finished w/ cleco'd RH Side Skin...with help from my wife, Nancy. Finished also 10-16 w/ Priming of Aft Bottom Skin, then rivet on the rearmost Bulkhead F01412 via Sect 10-17.

Next installed Lower Aft Fuselage assembly into Aft Fuselage - Great Fit ! Really a puzzle to align layers all at once...but really pleased with outcome. Ready to rivet the fuselage !

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 3 hrs)

Sect 10-14; routed Aft Fuselage Harness & Phone Cable along F01486A-L J-Stiffener. Challenging to insure correct cable leads are routed appropriately, per diagrams in 10-25 and 10-26.

Need helper to position RH Skin onto assembly, so worked ahead on 10-15 Aft Bottom Skin: Used band-saw to remove extra material both sides, "sanding" flush to line with belt sander. Then deburred all edges & holes, drilled larger diameter holes, and finally dimpled #40 holes. Ready to prime and rivet next.

Trimmed pieces (scrap). Cleco'd rearmost bulkhead as test fit...A-OK.

Monday, June 13, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage ( 2 hrs )

Sect 10-14, Steps 8-9 completed after first priming all 4 of the long J-Stiffeners. My brother-in-law, Rex was great help aligning and cleco'ing the LH Side Skin onto the Aft Fuselage Assembly. Lots of clecos, but fit up was really good. Ready to run the wiring, etc.

Rex after we flipped the assembly over.

A new builder is born...?

My wife Nancy with her brother Rex. Thanks for the help!

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Empennage

Aft Fuselage (1.5 hrs )

Finished dimpling LH Side Skin.

Sect 10-14 Steps 5-7 completed adding LH side J-Stiffeners and c-channel Longeron. Cleco'd F1410 & F1411 Bulkheads. Ready to add LH Side Skin, but need to lay couple wires first on one of the J Stiffeners (apparently better now, vs after Side Skin added).

I'll prime the J-Stiffeners prior final assembly...