Jul 22, 2021     Fuselage       Category: Fuselage

The fuselage was a lot of work but fairly straight forward. My good friends Spencer and Steve helped me immensely during this phase. I would suggest leaving the landing gear off as long as possible so that you can lay the fuselage on its side for easy access to almost everything. Once the gear is on, it gets much harder to rivet and do other tasks.

  May 24, 2021     RV-14A       Category: Research

The RV-14A is the perfect fit for my wife and I as we enter the retirement phase of our lives. I am a retired airline pilot with general aviation roots and my wife is an avid private pilot with a few hundred hours. Our mission is basically traveling around the country on leisurely trips with minimum use of the IFR environment. Although we have owned And operated 7 different tail draggers in our lifetime without a single issue, we decided on the nose wheel version for peace of mind. The cool look of a tail dragger is hard to overcome but the advantages in my opinion are minute. I stuck with the standard LYC IO390 and the standard 74” Hartzell 2 bladed prop. I installed dual E-Mags instead of regular Slick mags. For me, the added cost of other engine upgrades and/or changing to a 3 bladed prop were way out of line for the improvements they supposedly give. I can't argue about the good looks of the upgrades, but when the cowling is on and prop is turning, the added looks disappear. I am building it to fly, not to show. We definitely went overboard on avionics considering our mission. We have dual G3X's, a back up G5, remote Garmin com and transponder, G430W, 2 axis auto-pilot plus a yaw dampener and finally a GDL 52R Sirius XM receiver. The electrical system consists of a VPX pro, a back up alternator and an IBBS system (battery back-up). I wanted a custom center console and glove box/arm rest for cruising comfort which took considerable time to design and build. I used Scheme designers to help with the paint design and bought their masks. A good friend and neighbor did and excellent job of painting the aircraft which consists of “ pearl” added to the final clear coat application.

  Jul 20, 2021     interior       Category: Interior Finish

Classic Aero Designs did my interior. They are an exceptionally run company also and I am very pleased with the quality of their work. Abby at FLIGHTLINE INTERIORS used my, just completed fuselage, to take measurements for her RV14 product line. She is also awesome however they didn't have a completed product when I was ready to order. Classic Aero provided a complete set of side wall panels, a new door handle mechanism, Hooker Harness seat belts, heated seats, stick boots, carpet and extra leather for the center console. The installation was fairly easy and straight forward. The seat belts were given to me at a discount because they were a return but didn't match the color I wanted. I decided to give them a try and if the color doesn't clash too bad, I'll leave them the way they are.

  Jul 23, 2021     Center Console       Category: Console

Since our mission for the RV-14 is to travel around the country on leisurely trips, we wanted to build a comfortable cockpit that can be flown from either seat without having to reach too far for buttons or switch's. I wanted a center console but was afraid it would take up valuable space, so I made a quick mock up made out of cardboard and then put both my wife and I (not small people) inside to see what it felt like. We were surprised that we didn't feel cramped. I then used angled aluminum to make a frame and then placed it in the cockpit and repeated sitting in it with my wife to make sure it was still comfortable. We did this many times to make sure, before I continued with such a big change. Although the frame stayed the same, I made several different panels and changed the location of switch's, cables, levers many times. I am now very happy with this current version. I secured the console to the center tunnel area using the existing plate nuts then secured the aft end to the flap motor cover(braced it inside also), I then attached the front end to both the CB bracket and to the lower instrument panel. It is very solid and definitely overbuilt. Although I had originally built the first aluminum console as a mock up only, I ended up using it because after putting foam padding and leather covering over it, you couldn't tell how ugly the mock up really was. Classic Aero Designs provided the extra leather, also an unbelievably good company. Due to the limiting vertical angle that you can use for the Garmin G5, I had to place the fuel selector in its current place which then required me to purchase an Andair Extension Rod and two universal joints to allow the fuel selector to work properly. This was not an easy task especially trying to align the correct position of the fuel selector to the face plate with the tank positions labeled (Left, Right, Off). I ended up using a throttle quadrant from Flyboy Accessories, a very well run company with great customer service. Opposite of that was Aerosport Products. They set me back over a month and now I will shop elsewhere. Every other company I have worked with has been more than exceptional. They were my ONLY bad experience the entire time I was building my RV-14. In the console is a glove box with a removable leather insert so that you have access to the tunnel below. The control cables were custom made by Vans and fit just right, length wise. I fabricated a cable bracket and also cable supports that work well. Unfortunately, once everything was installed, all cable adjustments had to be made on the engine side as access in the console was too tight. I placed a TOGA button just beyond the full throttle position for easy reach during take off and go-arounds. After cutting out the final panels, I had them hydro-dipped By “Covering Infinity Finishes” of Woodstock IL, to look like carbon fiber. Inexpensive and the lettering was also very good.

  Jul 20, 2021     cockpit       Category: Instrument Panel

My wife put dibs on the left seat before I could even think about it, so I decided to design the cockpit so that everything is the same no matter what seat your in. I also love simplicity, so the fewer the buttons and switches, the better. The uncluttered instrument panel consists of three sections: 1- G3X with a cabin heat and parking brake knob. 2- Center instrument stack that contains communication/navigation/light switches /G5 and then connects to the center console. 3- G3X with a cabin heat and alt air knob. I have incorporated a VPX box so there are no circuit breakers in the cockpit. The transponder and com #2 are remoted behind the panel also. The center console has the throttle quadrant attached and also a built in glove box. I used Classic Aero Design for the interior and am very pleased with the comfort and quality of work. I used Torsten stick grips with 5 buttons: 1- Start 2- A/P Disc. 3- Pitch trim 4- Flaps 5- PTT. There is a map light above and between the seats and blue area lights under the glare shield. The air vents have been upgraded to the polished aluminum ones and the cabin heat cables have been replaced with locking ones to solve the creeping heat issue. I used Hooker Harness's, also purchased through Classic Aero.

  May 24, 2021     avionics       Category: Avionics

I decided to select Garmin products for this build mainly for resale purposes. I used Dynon in the 2 VFR SeaReys I built and loved their product also. The installation of the dynon products were easier than Garmin, but now that I have been through the installation process, the next Garmin build would be much easier. I have dual touch G3X's, a G5 back-up, and a Garmin 430W to make the GPS navigation IFR legal. I know the G430W is no longer in production but they are plentiful and relatively cheap. I only need it as a back-up radio and for IFR operations which will be minimal. I have a Garmin GTR20 remote com and a GTX 45R remote transponder. There is a 2 axis Garmin GMC507 auto pilot with a separate yaw damper system installed. Near the top of the panel is a GMA245 audio panel. I made all the panel cut outs myself and also designed/built the radio racks too. . I took advantage of the unused space near the firewall and installed most of my avionics equipment there including a GDL52R sirius XM reciever, GEA 24 EIS, GSU 25, and a GAD 29 Initially I cut out 2 access panels in the upper fuselage area to make it easier to get to the avionics, however after completing the process I decided to add riv nuts to the entire panel instead of riveting it permanently. This way if I ever need to do serious work behind the panel, it should be very easy to get to the equipment. There is a battery backup for the entire avionics system and an addition G5 battery backup also. A TOGA button is placed just in front of the "full throttle" position within easy reach for both take-off and go-arounds.

  Jul 21, 2021     electrical       Category: Avionics

The heart of the electrical system is the VPX PRO so there are no regular circuit breakers anywhere in the aircraft. There was a steep learning curve, at least for me, in learning how to set it up, but once I got the hang of it, it was pretty straight forward. Stein Air sold me all of my avionics and designed my wiring diagram. I can't say enough good things about this company and would HIGHLY recommend them! They drew out my wiring diagram for me and even printed it in full scale. I referenced that sheet many times and would still be wiring today if it weren't for them. I used their main wiring that Van's sells and I also asked them(Stein) to make a small harness to connect all the garmin products. The harness was flawless and saved me month's. I used a grounding block with many tabs (48 I think) believing this was overkill, however I still needed a few extra. The alternator is a 60 amp Plane Power that comes with the standard engine. I used a B&C 40 amp back up alternator attached to the accessory case. I removed the old fashioned magnetos and am using P-Mags instead. There is simply no comparison and not one reason where the Slicks had an advantage. I have a single battery(Odyssey) system even with P-Mags because of their self generating internal alternator that is the primary power source. I did install an IBBS back up battery for the avionics which can also substitute as a battery back up if both the primary E-Mag alternator and main battery both fail (extremely unlikely). I have installed a split, cessna type, master switch, an avionics master and a start master. The starter buttons are on each of the Tosten Stick Grips. If you have ever had to restart a dead engine with the prop stopped, you will completely understand why you want a start button on the grip (I've done it twice).

  Jul 22, 2021     Lighting       Category: Lighting

After researching most of the lighting options, I settled for the Whelen nav/tail/strobe set up and the Aero LED Sun Spot 36 landing lights due to a "good deal". The strobes etc were supposed to be able to be wired without the need for shielded wire which turned out to be incorrect. The Garmin G3X/Adahrs could not pass the interference test so I had to run shielded wire INSIDE a shielded braid for the length of the wing to fix the problem. The tail light from the "good deal" wouldn't fit in the tail cone fairing so I had to cut out expansion holes and then re-fiberglass to get it to fit just right. The extra hours I had to put in plus the cost of the shielding etc, eliminated any cost savings although I'm still happy with the finished product. The other light assemblies were easy to install including a map light and switch just behind the roll bar. The map light is easy to reach and lights up the center console area.

  Jul 22, 2021     empennage       Category: Empennage

The Empenage section was fairly straight forward and one of the easier sections. I installed the Vans wiring harness that was made by Stein Air (excellent company!!) Everything fit as advertised except for a glitch in a separate wire that Vans has you you install. It was about 6" too short, so instead of waiting on a fix by Vans (common to all early kits), I re-routed mine to the floor area and it fit perfect. Vans also approved of the new route. I used the Safe Air static system and it was easy to install even though I made a mistake with the static port. Before I make any corrections, I will fly it first to see if it's even an issue. I installed an ACK ELT in the aft section.

  Jul 22, 2021     tail       Category: Tail Feathers

Balancing of the elevators is a problem if you follow Vans procedures exactly, in fact it's impossible to do correctly. Each elevator must be balanced separately (unattached from the other) and all parts installed (trim motor etc) plus it needs to be painted. I ended up adding weights and a cover plate to make it exact. The extra pop rivet was used as extra weight

  Jul 21, 2021     Fuel System       Category: Fuel System

I added the Aircraft Specialty fuel line fire sleeve option, the wing root fuel filter option plus the AFP fuel pump option. Changing a fuel filter in the cockpit tunnel each condition inspection was not something I was looking forward to, so I changed from one filter in the tunnel to two filters in the wing roots, one for each tank. With all the reports of Andair fuel pump failures, I decided to swap it out for the more reliable and much cheaper AFP fuel pump so I could help avoid changing a pump in the cockpit also. All the fuel lines FWF are now fire sleeved.

  Jul 21, 2021     landing gear       Category: Landing Gear

It took my nephew and I almost 4 hrs to install the left main gear leg. It was a very difficult task but after some coaxing we finally bolted it in place securely.
I was dreading the next day because I was going it alone with the right gear since my nephew had to return to the east coast. To my surprise, it went very well and only took an hour or so for the right leg. Unfortunately a serious issue arose with the toe in / toe out procedure. The right side was barely within limits but easily fixable with the expensive shims from Vans. The left side was way out of limits and would require more than the maximum suggested limits for shims. After sending photos and measurements to the mother ship, they admitted they had a batch of early gear legs that weren't cooled properly in the manufacturing process and ended up warping. Evidently I had been shipped one of them, so they sent me a brand new one at no charge. That one now went in with no problem also but still required a shim. I completed SB-00027 after the nose gear and engine were on, however I did not run into any issues with the process.The nose wheel fairing was a real bear. It was impossible to complete per Vans instructions and measurements. After discussing it with Vans, I will leave it as is and decide during the annual condition inspection if I need to re-do it. I added Flyboys Accessories "Tug Guard" to the nose wheel fairing to help prevent chipping the paint.

  Jul 20, 2021     Engine       Category: FWF/ENG

The engine installation/FWF section was probably the most enjoyable. I easily installed the engine to the motor mounts with the help of my wife. Once it's on, however, the access to the firewall is very tight. It is best to attach everything you can prior to mounting the engine. I bought the standard engine since there was very little to gain for the amount of money you had to spend for the upgraded ones. I did put dual P-Mags on however, as I felt the improvements were definitely worth it. An additional firewall pass through was added to relieve the wire crowding. The "Red Cube" is attached fairly close to the exhaust and cylinders but a heat shield does protect it. I'm not sure I like this set up but Vans says it's safe. I will re-evaluate during the fly off period and during the next condition inspection.

  Jul 21, 2021     cowl       Category: Cowl

The cowling took a lot of time and introduced me to what patience really means. After getting the seams between the upper and lower cowls perfect, I was reminded to leave extra room for paint, duh (what was I thinking?). After spending hours getting it just right again, my friend Jim, who would be painting my airplane, stopped by to inspect and said to leave more room for paint (ouch). After finally getting that task completed, I set out to tackle the air inlet holes which also required many hours of work. When I thought I was done, I took a picture, labeled "air inlet holes", and was stunned to see that the inlet on the right (facing the picture) was so much bigger than the left. Many hours later I got them perfect. Maybe this is the cause of some RV-14's having higher temps than others. I used a couple of props underneath the cowl so that I could easily install the cowl myself. The baffles went on very easy and is a very nice addition that Vans has produced.

  Jul 21, 2021     propeller       Category: Propeller

The Hartzell 74" 2 bladed prop was installed fairly easily with no issues. I was concerned how I was going to safety the bolts but a friend showed me a trick which worked out great. He made a tool out of scrap sheet aluminum that is shown below. It allows the wire to come out of the hole easily and in a curved fashion so it doesn't get stuck.

  Jul 21, 2021     wings       Category: Wings

The project started on 12/11/2012 with the delivery of the wings. All steps were followed per plans except for not installing the leading edge stall warn system (using Garmin angle of attack instead). Also changed the routing of the internal wires to avoid the Garmin GMU 22 area. Used the standard Vans wing wiring harness kit. Instead of grounding some "Ground Wires" to the wing frame itself, I ran most wires all the way back to the main ground block. The installation of the wings was very easy. The first one(left) I did myself because no one was available to help. The second one I did after an operation, so I needed a little help from friends. This wing also went on easily after a little coaxing.

  Jul 20, 2021     paint       Category: Paint / Decals

During the build, I primed most parts with rattle can, self etching primer. I used Scheme Designers to come up with a design that both my wife and would like, which I thought would be next to impossible. Incredibly the process went very quickly and my wife and I agreed to a design without much disagreement. I also bought the stencils from them which didn't come out exactly as we thought it should. I think the computer has a hard time taking into account the different curves, so you have to be careful laying them out. My good friend Jim Kidd did the most of the skilled work and actual spraying. He did an incredible job! He ended up putting pearl in the final clear coat which looks amazing. Fixes in the future will be a challenge however, but I knew this going in. I used Covering Infinity Finishes to hydro dip my instrument panel and center console. Looks great and relatively inexpensive. He also did the labeling which came out great.

  Jul 21, 2021     fuel tank       Category: Wings

Did I mention I hate working with pro seal? All steps followed per the plans. Air leak test worked great. Sat for 2 days with no noticeable change and then test was repeated again. After wings were installed, the tank was unsealed and re-cleaned with gas. I painted the fuel vents "red" below the wing because it will definitely cause an oowie for anyone that accidentally hits it with their head. Calibration of the fuel quantity with the G3X went well. I did the first five gallons at one gallon intervals and the remainder at 5 gallon intervals. The fuel caps were powder coated red but I may buy polished aluminum ones in the future.

  Jul 20, 2021     work area       Category: Workshop

Work shop area with interlocking anti fatigue mats. These Matt's are great and well worth the money.
The work bench is very similar to the EAA version I saw on-line and was easy to build. I added a piece of angle iron on one side for clamping, aligning
etc which turned out to be very useful during the build. I bought at least 6 fold-able tables which were continuously in use and very handy.
I cut one of my Vans shipping crates in half and braced them inside with 2 x 4's to make a raised working area when I needed better access to the engine and avionics bays( Also a great help). If I were to give any advice, I would keep the aircraft without gear as long as possible so that you can rest it on its side for easy access to the interior. Once the gear is on, you are always bending on laying on your back which is not always easy, at least for me. Wing racks were also easy to make and also a must.