Oct 21, 2020     Empennage - Kit Inventory - (7.0 hours) Category: Empennage

I inventoried the contents of the RV-14A empennage kit. The inventory list was 8 pages, and listed every nut, bolt, rivet, rib, skin, ... A timely and thorough inventory is important to ensure all of the kit components are accounted for. My kit was complete with the exception of a handful of hardware items (a lock nut, 4 small bolts, and a nut plate), which Van's is shipping to me now.

The inventory also serves at least a couple of other functions. First, it is a key step to organize the shop. You need to put the parts away as you inventory them, so it helps to have small parts organizers and shelf space ready when you start the inventory. Second, the inventory is a great way to familiarize yourself with the parts in the kit. You have to be able to identify the parts as they come out of the box in order to inventory them.

I feel like the inventory was time well spent!

  Oct 19, 2020     Empennage - Kit Delivery and Uncrating - (3 hours)       Category: Empennage

The RV-14A empennage kit arrived in a single 115" x 32" x 13" crate weighing in at 246 lbs. The crate appeared to be undamaged, and was easy to move into the garage / shop (aka lair). After removing the lid, which was held in place with several dozen staples, I removed and stored the packing paper.

The crate contents included the large skins for the empennage, vertical and horizontal stabilizers, rudder, and elevators. The crate also contained several sub-kits, a packing list, and the construction plans for the empennage.

The excitement is now off the charts!

  Sep 21, 2020     Empennage - Ordered Kit       Category: Empennage

I finally ordered the empennage kit for the RV-14A! There have been several delays since I decided in February that this is what I want to do -- COVID, Oregon Fires, introduction to Vans construction course, and general hand-wringing -- but I have a shipping date and an official Van's builder ID number :)