Aug 06, 2021     Wing - Kit Inventory       Category: Wings

I used the 8-page parts list to inventory the contents of the two crates of wing parts and hardware. Like the empennage kit, the wing kit was very complete with just a few hardware items missing. I put the large items like wing skins, leading edge skins, spars, J-channel pieces, …) back in the crates and stored the crates out of the way until they are needed.

I took a slightly different approach to organizing the smaller parts. Section 4 of the plans is a comprehensive list of all the parts in each kit, and includes the section in the plans where each part is used. I retrieved several plastic Ikea bins from the attic, and labeled them 13 through 24 – 1 for each step of the wing build. As I inventoried each piece, I placed it in the bin corresponding to the step where it will be. This step didn't really add much time to the inventory, and will hopefully save me time during the build locating parts.

Once again, the inventory was time well spent!

  Aug 02, 2021     Wing - Kit Delivery and Uncrating       Category: Wings

The RV-14A wing kit arrived in two crates. The 141" x 12" x 12" crate, which has an estimated weight of 181 lbs, is for the wing spars. The second crate, which contains lots of ribs and skins, is 96" x 32" x 12" and weighs approximately 220 lbs. The lid of the 2nd crate came off during shipping, and left some scratches from the staples in the fiberglass wing tips. The driver was very helpful moving the crate off the truck, and noted the obvious damage.

I contacted Van's technical support about the scratches in the wing tips. The scratches are superficial, and will get worked out later when the wing tips are sanded and filled later in the build. No need to file a claim, and I didn't notice any additional damage.

  Jan 25, 2021     Wing Kit Ordered Category: Wings

I ordered the RV-14A Standard Build Wing Kit today. The order was a bit ahead of schedule since I have not completed the elevator and tail section assemblies in the empennage kit. I moved the order up because the kit lead times advertised on the Van's web site have increased significantly. Hopefully ordering a little early will minimize downtime between kits.