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.

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Wings

RH Tip ( 2 hrs )

Re-installed RH Tip - great fit and alignment (whew !). In order to install Tip Rib per next Steps 1-3 (Sect 24-04) needed to remove Tip first so I could remove aileron. Good thing I was only using about 25% of the mounting screws. Then re-installed Tip so I could align Rib into Tip while mounted to Wing. Sure glad I tied a string to the Rib first, since I managed to "drop" the Rib while position and tweaking. I would have gotten to remove the Tip again to recover the Rib deep inside Tip. Van's instructs to remove the Rib after only drilling a hole at each end, marking centerline on Rib, then re-align Rib back into position via holes drilled through Tip only. Instead I simply drilled all the holes with the Rib locked in position...way easier.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Wings

RH Tip ( 3 hrs )

Finished RH Tip, ready to install to confirm alignment (42 nutplates, 84 rivets later). Versus Vans instructions in Sect 24-03 steps 8-10, I prefer to rivet nutplates to fiberglass first, then use #40 CS with the pilot which fits perfectly inside #6 threaded hole of nutplate. This avoids misshapen countersink if done prior without guide of installed nutplate. Also using the air drill provides best finish to CS, since it "shaves" away material - and is quick !

Using two nutplate templates moves the process along quickly.

Friday, March 24, 2017

Wings

RH Tips ( 2 hrs )

No building most of this week while we transferred my dad from Assisted Living into a Skilled Nursing facility - lots of packing & unpacking, etc. My brother visited from Calif during the week to assist getting the move done. Back to building by repeating Sect 24-03 Steps 8-10: started the RH Tip w/ #40 holes - cleco'd (its time consuming to get alignment -- but finally it was ready) Then drilled #27 holes first at every other #40 cleco. Using #30 cleco's "works", but since slightly loose I was extra careful to insure ALL were enlarged with proper Tip to Wing alignment maintained.

note alternating cleco sizes as I enlarge holes

Monday, March 20, 2017

Wings

Complete LH Tip ( 2 hrs )

Machine countersunk for #6 screws using micro-cage. Re-installed to Wing with perfect fit.

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Wings

LH Tip ( 3 hrs )

Steps 9-10, Sect 24-03 for LH Tip almost completed with 42 nutplates, 84 rivets. Only needing to machine countersink for #6 screws (I'll be using installed nutplates as guide using #40 CS bit), then I can re-install to confirm alignment stayed same.

Friday, March 17, 2017

Wings

LH Wing Tip ( 2 hrs )

Match drilled #27 holes in Wing and Tip, then removed Tip from Wing to deburr and dimple the Wing for #6 screws. Used nutplate as template ( w/ #6 screw inserted from backside) to drill #40 rivet holes. Going well, but needed to stop for other errands today.

I chose to leave Tip installed so I could "match drill" #27 holes. Seems better than instructions which have you remove and do separately. Since the #30 size cleco's are a little loose, I left a few of the original #40 size cleco's installed (distributed top, middle & bottom) to insure the Tip didn't move.

Nutplate template. After 1st hole, retained with cleco to drill second hole.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Wings

LH Wing Tip ( 2 hrs )

Per Sect 24-03, Steps 7 & 8: Drilled #40 holes and "cleco'd' LH Wing Tip after aligning. Tricky getting alignment correct with Aileron. It took me probably one extra hour to fuss with position while checking and re-checking with a straightedge and my calibrated eyeball. Wow...this will be a LOT of nutplates !