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, September 13, 2018

Avionics

Installing GEA24 on sub-panel ( 2 hrs )

Drilled four #10 holes for mounting Garmin GEA24 on sub-panel. Drilled #40 holes for nutplates for the 10-32 panhead SS screws I'm using. Also machine c'sunk ACK's "ELT switch" to change the supplied 4-40 brass panhead to black flat head screws...so flush and "disappear" on instrument panel when mounted.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Avionics

Install GTX-45R transponder ( 3 hrs )

Removed "center" area for transponder support plates. Primed after drilling #40 holes, then riveted to hinges. Aligned tray, drilled 4 holes and dimpled for #6 flat head screws. Mounted between subpanel and main panel frame...works great.

getting ready to rivet.

four #6 flatnead screws mount tray to plates

installed w/o transponder...shows major cut out in center
aligned with tray

with GTX 45R transponder installed in tray

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Avionics

Avionics installation ( 3 hrs )

Fabricated support for GTX-45R transponder with pair of piano hinges (left over from seat back build). Used hinge pins not used for engine cowling (since converted to Cowl Pin Covers) ...so integral retention tabs. And extra 0.032" alum scraps provided by Vans in kit as extra material. Will cut out center area for weight reduction and cooling, then rivet these plates to hinges. Simply remove each pin to remove transponder if service needed.

marked zone to remove on each 1/2 plate, corresponding
to opening in tray provided by Garmin

Bottom view. Shows pin retention tabs. Used two 4" wide
scraps, which enables easy cutting out "center" prior to
riveting to hinges. Eyeballed location of rivets, since
not visible (those under sub-panel were challenging to do)

Used tray in position to mark center area to cut out. Biased
unit forward to clear "stuff" on backside of instrument panel.
Rectangular opening in sub panel is for portion of deep glove
box running from Instrument panel forward.

checking location of GEA24. Having glove box on instrument
panel compromises space available, but will be niceto have
storage in panel

Friday, September 7, 2018

Avionics

Avionics mounting ( 4 hrs )

Installed LH & RH Cabin Heat Control Cables after cutting to 36" lengths per Sect 50-07. Needed to insure Avionics would not interfere. Remainder spent exploring specific location & orientation on co-pilot side sub-panel. Lots of connector and harness routing concerns to work out. Step by step gaining clearer strategy. Started fabrication of piano hinges to mount GTX-45R transponder. Nick Millard at Stein Air has been helpful answering several questions.

GTX-45R: under glove box, foward to clear stuff on lower RH
instrument panel, while leaving room on left for connectors.
GEA24 concept on sub-panel clears large connectors.

Fabricating piano hinges.

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Empennage

Empennage Fairing ( 3 hrs )

Completed filling pinholes using epoxy/micro balloons, followed by sanding. Then re-coat with Cromax Quickprime A-4240S (purchased another 14oz spraycan at National Coating and Supplies store). Final wet sanded with 600 grit to prep for painting later. So...H.Stab and V. Stab removed and back into storage. Laid out strategy for GTX-45R Transponder mounting (on RH area under glovebox) using 2 piano hinges, etc.

Emp Fairing final sanded w/ 600 grit after filling pinholes. Four Intersection Fairings in background rec'd same process.

Monday, September 3, 2018

Empennage

Empennage Fairing ( 2 hrs )

Finished sanding smooth where I filled pinholes. Sprayed Cromax Quickprime A-4240S (sandable, acrylic primer) on Emp Fairing and 4 Intersection Fairings. Looking good! But some pinholes remain, so another round of fill, sand, prime soon.

Used most of can on canopy transition, so ran out
before I could fully cover both Upper Int Fairings...

Tah Dah !

Saturday, September 1, 2018

Empennage

Empennage Fairing ( 2 hrs )

Mixed epoxy/flox and filled pinholes on Emp Fairing (also some on 4 Instersection Fairings). Later, after cured 6 hrs, sanded smooth all 4 Intersection Fairings and Empennage Fairing. Began exploring where and how to mount various units supporting Garmin G3X system: GTX-45 ( remote transponder w/ ADS-B in/out), GEA24 (engine monitor), GD-40 (CO detection), GPS20A (remote WAAS GPS), and GAD27 (intergrated controller). Referenced couple other RV14 builder logs, and Layout provided by Stein Air.

flox mix added to fill pinholes ( prior sand smooth... again)

unpacking Avionics...