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, April 13, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Completion of Alt Air Inlet/Door, and Air Ramps ( 4 hrs )

Completed Alt Air Inlet and Door per Steps 7-16, Sect 47-20. Epoxy/flox set up well. Seems unnecessary to also rivet, but really secure now. Installed onto Engine, then proceeded to Steps 1-10 at Sect 47-21 bending Right Air Ramp Cone, and Steps 1-8, 47-22 for Air Filter Cover w/ integral Air Ramp Cone. Instructions and templates made these steps easy. I substituted double sided tape for the spray on adhesive.

"tah dah ! "

Right Air Ramp Cone fits well.

2/3 done step forming Cover Air Ramp

Pleased with fit.

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Alternate Air Inlet ( 2 hrs )

Continued prep for Alt Air Inlet Steps 7-16, Sect 47-19, then 47-20 Steps 1-5 to adhere with mix of epoxy/flox. Decided to tape around perimeter to minimize mess.

holes ready to mount inlet

bonding & filling gaps due to irregular shape of Snorkel

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Alternate Air Inlet ( 2 hrs )

Completed Steps 6 & 7 at Sect 47-18. Started Alt Air Inlet at 47-19, Steps 1-8. Cut 3 1/2" hole in side of Snorkel, then aligned Alt Air Inlet #VA-192.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Forward Firewall Kit

Flox Snorkel to Air Filter Frame ( 2 hrs )

Completed trimming upper edge of Snorkel per Steps 4-12 at 47-12 and squeezed epoxy/flox mixture between Air Filter Frame and Snorkel. Process fills gaps while joining Frame to Snorkel, and insures good ledge for air filter. Also took pics with borescope confirming alignment of Snorkel and venturi into Fuel Servo. Reference Dec 5, 2016 log with more on the Borescope for Android. Quite useful for only $10 typically.

mylar tape still in place, keeping debris
and moisture out of intake

Friday, April 6, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Snorkel Flange trimmed ( 2 hrs )

Completed Steps 9-18 in Sect 47-16, and Steps 1& 2 on next page. Trimmed Snorkel flange with template, drilled 1/4" dia holes, remounted. All this required few more on-off iterations, but getting 'er done.

template insures hole locations

mounting holes completed for 1/4" bolts

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Cont'd Snorkel fit up ( 2 hrs )

Continued Snorkel fit up via Steps 5-8 at Sect 47-15, and Steps 1-8 at Sect 47-16. Trimmed extra length 1 1/4" above "frame indication line" and sanded Snorkel to fit inside frame evenly.

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Snorkel fit up ( 2 hrs )

Started fitting fiberglass VA-132-2 Snorkel to fuel servo and Left Air Ramp/Frame.
Also torqued machine screws holding Baffles to Valve covers, etc.

preliminary fit...

lots of adjustment, measure, adjust again ahead to insure
centered on fuel servo opening