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, May 11, 2019

Engine

Heat Muffs, etc ( 3 hrs )

Completed Step 6, Sect 48-05 - 2" Vent Tee. Limited space to 1st install two Adel clamps to engine mount tubes, then very large Adel Clamps around 2" Vent. Used safety wire to hold clamps in position. Overall took a lot of time to get positioned correctly - and lots of various tools! Glad that's done !

Using tool to hold clamp closed so I can
hold closed w/ safety wire

In the end, I used many tools to get 'er done.

close up showing clamps secured

And overall shot showing 2" SCAT hose routing

Friday, May 10, 2019

Engine

Heat Muffs ( 3 hrs )

Installed Heat Muff assemblies per Sect 48-04, Steps 1-6. Added couple of the SCAT 2" hoses per 48-05.

1 of 2 heat muffs added.

Both heat muffs added, & interconnecting SCAT hose installed

hose connected for air intake

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Shop Set Up

LED lights added in Hangar

My wife helped today install four 4' LED Shop lights in newly rented hangar. ( Search Amazon "4 Pack LED Shop Light for Garage: 36W, 4Ft, BBounder 3600 Lumens" Only $60 for all four.) The airport staff brought a big ladder that worked perfectly. With Nancy's help, the project got done quickly.

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Engine

Exhaust install continued ( 2 hrs )

Installed Forward Exhaust Hangar assembly per Sect 48-03, Steps 1-6. Also started working on heater install, with 2" SCAT hoses, etc.

Hangar from Left rear corner
engine sump to clamp around left
exhaust prior to joining tailpipe.

2" SCAT hose clamped to Right Vent on firewall.

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Engine

Exhaust installation ( 4 hrs )

Installed Halon fire extinguisher (A344T, 1.25lb 1211 Class B C) in baggage area - where pilot can easily reach on wall behind passenger. Installed LH and RH "Stick to Torque Tube Pushrods" per Sect 41-07, Step 1. Installed Exhaust per Sect 48-02, Step 4 & 6,7. Used Permatex #77124, Nickel Anti-Seize Lubricant on slip joints. Attached Engine Dryer to insure engine interior remains low humidity since opened to install exhaust. With both 'spark plug' desiccants and circulating dry air, believe I have protection against corrosion.

Halon fire extinguisher in baggage area.
Amerex A344T, 1.25lb 1211 Class B C

LH forward Exhaust added (taped over holes for EGT sensor). Cover still on rear exhaust port.

From under LH side with rear exhaust added.
Note: Heat shields in several locations not yet added.

From under tailpipe

Exhaust joining Y for Tailpipe.

Monday, May 6, 2019

Engine

Pressure test fuel system ( 4 hrs )

5 lb can of white desiccant arrived, used approx 1/2 in engine dryer container. Ready to use now. Completed prep of 2" SCAT hoses for heater per Steps 1-5, Sect 48-05. Checked left fuel system w/ Valve in Off position, from Wing Root to Servo for leaks. Held 30 psi air pressure as well as no signs leakage with soap bubbles at connections. Repeated for right side. When I turned fuel valve to Left tank, I found gradual loss of pressure over 30 mins. I soaped all joints...can't find any leak point with soap bubbles. Going to repeat soon and inspect again...Need to cap off opposite side at Wing Root to insure no internal leaking from Left to Right side inside Fuel Valve.

Approx 1/2 of 5 lb can of white desiccant added to
container in Engine Dryer

Prepped 2" SCAT for heater system

Searching for air leak while pressurizing
fuel system. (pic taken after bubbles drying out)

More checking for air leak while testing fuel system to 30 psi.

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Shop

Wing Jack Stands ( 6 hrs )

Built 2 Wing Jack Stands, using Harbor Freight 3 Ton Rams (about $45 each on sale), 1/2" conduit, SS hose clamps ( 2 for backup) and 2 ft x 2 ft plywood (from shipping crates). Referenced examples from other builders on VAF. Biggest job was flattening the conduit in vise on each end. Ground couple SS 3/8-16 carriage bolts into spherical heads. Drilled ends of Ram with 1/2" drill to match. Using 1" to 1/2" reducers (piping at Menards, etc) as safeties to insure bolt head stays on top of ram ! Very solid, not too heavy to move around.

scrap plywood bases
(note: either Lycoming or ABF sprayed message onto crate)

ground heads to fit 1/2" diameter drilled "hole"

1" to 1/2" reducer fits perfectly to insure bolt won't
slip off. note two SS hose clamps