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.

Saturday, July 8, 2017

Fuselage

Rollbar Assembly ( 1 hr )

Completed Sect 37-05 Steps 1-4 mounting Rollbar Frame onto Fuse at Bases. Great fit...tight but perfectly aligned...yay! Added Brace to Aft Fuse at top. Then drilled 24 #30 holes on outer and inner Frames at Bases on left and right sides. Ready to dis-assemble, deburr and final paint interior "aluminum" color.

peel back aft fuse skin to access rearmost holes via 12" drill bit

Friday, July 7, 2017

Fuselage

Rollbar Assembly ( 3 hrs )

Completed Roll Bar Assembly with blind rivets to Aft Frame. Since rear polycarbonate window fits directly onto Window Shims, filed smooth/"flush" (only slight amount required) the CS4-4 blind rivets on top surface. Re-primed Roll Bar. Finish painted Brace and remaining Doubler pieces. Decided to wait for Primer on Roll Bar to cure before top coat.

prior to final primer. Shown Aft side on top in pic

interior paint added

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Fuselage

Rollbar Frames ( 4 hrs )

Riveted Outboard Strap (flush rivets) and Inboard Strap ( universal head ) to Fwd Rollbar, then riveted Bushing Doublers to Aft Frame capturing bronze bushing. Started riveting Aft to Fwd Rollbar w/ CS4-4 blind rivets (flush) and LP4-3 blind rivets per Sect 37-04 Steps 5-7. Please with fit up, alignment, etc...as usual with Van's kit.

Outboard and Inboard Straps riveted

Bushing and Doublers on Aft Frame

CS4-4 flush rivets on Window Shim along Aft Frame

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Fuselage

Rollbar Assembly ( 5 hrs )

Completed drilling #30 holes, then Mach C'S per Steps 1-4 Sect 37-04. Deburred, buffed, cleaned with acetone, and primed with Napa 7220 acid etching primer including all C'sinks on Rollbars, and "new" Straps and Window Shim.

C'Sinking Window Shim

C'sinking FWD Rollbar for flush rivets

C'sinking for Rollbar Brace.....6 holes

confirm C'sinks are correct depth for Brace.

After priming...ready to rivet together

Monday, July 3, 2017

Fuselage

Drilling Rollbar Frames ( 4 hrs )

Pre-assembled Outboard & Inboard Straps to Fwd and Aft Rollbar Frame Assemblies per Sect 37-03 Steps 1-6. Lots of #40 size clecos. Delayed priming Straps and Window Shims until after drilling and C'sinking. Lot's of #30 drilling (every #40 hole). Not enough #30 clecos for every hole, but not required.

Outboard and Inboard Straps cleco'd to Fwd Frame

Aft Frame cleco'd

Window Straps cleco'd to Aft Frame

Drilling #30 holes, replacing #40 clecos. 1/4 remain to do...

Saturday, July 1, 2017

Fuselage

Rollover Assembly ( 1 hr )

Built FWD and AFT Rollbar Frame Assemblies per Sect 37-02 Steps 4 & 5, forty four AN470D4-5 rivets later in Splice plate joining LH to RH rollbars. Using the Fuse as a jig for the first 4 rivets works great. Used Main Squeeze for both initial 4 and remaining back on bench.

Friday, June 30, 2017

Fuselage

Rollover Assembly ( 3 hrs )

Cont'd deburring edges of Rollover Frames. Buffed all w/ scotchbrite, cleaned w/ acetone, then primed w/ Napa 7220 acid etching primer. Riveted Rollbar Brace Brackets to Rollbar Brace - glad able to use "Main Squeeze" from Cleaveland Tools. Cleco'd Forward LH & RH Rollbar Frames on Fuse. Ready to rivet 4 places at center splice plate, then remove to complete riveting. But it's time to swim instead!

buffed, cleaned

primed

using Main Squeeze

first steps to assembling Rollover Frames