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, April 19, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Breather Tube, Painted Oil Cooler Tray ( 3 hrs )

Installed Breather Tube per Steps 5-7 at 49-02. Reaching the two AN525-10R8 screws to tighten was challenging. Tried several tools, finally 1/4" drive w/ Bosch phillips head driver (type with grooves to prevent slip out) with ratchet wrench/extensions worked. Yah! Primed Oil Cooler inlet assembly parts w/ Rustoleum Hi-Temp Primer (good to 2000 deg!) followed by Rustoleum Engine Enamel (good to 500 deg). Also installed Firewall to Fuel Pump fuel line #VA-139.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Oil Cooler Tray, Breather tube, and Instrument Panel partially built ( 2 hrs )

Finished prep of Oil Cooler Tray, etc - but need warmer weather to prime and paint outside (just bought Hi Temp spray paint). Worked on Sect 49-02 Steps 2-5 Breather Tube. Stein Air sent pics of partially completed Panel, just painted (semi-gloss "Onyx Black", Glidden color match I specified). Will be engraved next with "white" lettering.

Painted "onyx black" semi-gloss via Stein Air.
Panel looks dusty in pic, but cover for Map Box looks fine

shows map box

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Firewall Forward Kit

Alt Air Inlet and Oil Cooler Tray ( 3 hrs )

Match drilled six #40 holes, dimpled the 2 forward locations, then riveted Right Air Ramp Cone per Steps 10-14, Sect 47-21. Next, installed nutplate for Air Filter Cover per Steps 9-14, Sect 47-22. Done with Snorkel, except left plastic tape over inlet at Fuel Servo for now, w/ note hanging below as reminder to remove. Started building Oil Cooler Tray per Sect 49-06, Steps 2-7 by deburring holes and edges.

perfect fit of Cover retaining K&N Air Filter.

not shown, also cut 4 tubes to 3.5" for spacers

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