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.

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Finish Kit

Interior Covers ( 3 hrs )

More deburring of various Covers in Sect 42. Added 6 nutplates to 2 completed prior. Riveted Doubler to Aft Tunnel Cover - but changed to flush rivets for smoother appearance around Fuel Control Knob. Adequate clearance was designed into pieces to clear the required dimpling. Back to finishing the Canopy Fairing, I sprayed 2 coats of sandable primer - part # A4240 Primer from Cromax. Pleased with overall smoothness and contour...but I have more pinholes to fill. A Dupont paint rep recommended since acrylic based for better compatibility with assumed exterior paint by local paint shop Byerly Aviation ( vs oil based Rustoleum primer I was considering). I recently contacted Jerry Piatt at Byerly who recommended I contact Tom, his Dupont paint rep locally at National Coating & Supply).

deburred w/ nutplates installed... but no
screws yet. Will prime and finish paint soon.

switched to flush rivets for thin spacer surrounding fuel control

#A4240 primer. Seems "thick", covers well. More sanding....

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Finish Kit

Seat Backs and Miscellanea ( 4 hrs )

Completed Seat Backs with remaining rivets along LH and RH sides, then Sect 39-06 & -07 for Hinge Pins. Since I'll probably leave off Seat Back Braces due to using only rearmost position (they're not engaged), I didn't add the safety wire retentions for the Hinge Pins. But they fit perfectly and work really well. Also made the bottom Hinge Pins ~ 1/4" longer to allow long taper for easier insertion. Overall, the Seat Backs fit and look great. I started Sect 42, called "Miscellanea" - which are the removable interior covers. Deburred Seat Ramp Cover, and LH & RH Control Column Covers. Attached the few nutplates (buffed, cleaned and primed just at nutplates for now - so I could install. Planning major prime and painting session later )

Seat backs fit perfectly between black UHMW
blocks on crossbar

in rearmost position, braces are not used...

alternate brace positions if seat moved to
middle and forward positions

tip forward to access baggage area

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Finish Kit

Seat Back riveting ( 4 hrs )

Good progress and "fun" riveting today per Sect 38-03, -04, & -05. Nearly done with Seat Back Assemblies.

Brace in foreground is done.

backside. Used Main Squeeze, and rivet gun

Monday, November 27, 2017

Finish Kit

Seat Backs ( 4 hrs )

Finish match drilling hinges, then buffed with Scotchbrite all parts. Cleaned with acetone, and primed with Napa 7220 (as usual). Rushed to do in outdoor "spray booth" since a nice sunny day - warmer than typical for late Nov. in central Illinois.

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Finish Kit

Seat Backs ( 4 hrs )

Sanded feathered edge of Canopy Fairing along recently added micro/epoxy. Waiting to discuss sandable primer selection with exterior painter at Byerly Aviation (to confirm compatibility). Deburred more parts for Seat Backs per Sect 39-02 Steps 1-6 and 39-03 Steps 1-7. Includes creating Hinge sections for Seat Back and Brace. Also created Brace Stiffeners at Steps 8-9 with C'sinking for flush rivets.

Friday, November 24, 2017

Finish Kit

Seat Backs ( 3 hrs )

Prepared to prime Canopy Fairing by taping along Aft edge, and ahead of feathered area along Fwd edge. Decided to mix another batch micro/epoxy to improve feathering in a couple areas (fingertips could detect slight transition between alum skin and Fairing). Delayed 1st coat of Primer. While curing I started Sect 39 - Seat Backs by deburring holes and edges. Nice to be building again vs sanding. Also cut seals to fit Hinge Covers per Steps 4-7 in Sect 38-36.

gathering most parts for Seat Backs

added foam seal to Hinge Covers

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Finish Kit

Canopy Fairing ( 3 hrs )

Sanded over Aft edge of vinyl tape to reduce epoxy layer. Difficult to determine if epoxy or vinyl as sanding, but eventually tape begins to shred if too far. I found difficult to remove, but did result in good edge. Also sanded Canopy Emergency Jettison Handle at revised weld. I had a weld shop rotate handle 90 degrees ( will be vertical on panel, clearing a Garmin G5 left of center). I used extra microballoon/resin mix over weld to gain a smooth blend.

Feathered Fwd edge, and now only 1 layer tape on Aft edge.

Nancy admiring sunset as we're putting Cesna back
in hangar today.