2/25/24 – 2.5h
It's time to start working on the fuselage kit! I received the fuselage kit nearly a year ago (March 30, 2023), and I put all the parts in temporary storage after completing the inventory and initial sorting. Finishing the wings took longer than I had planned for, but it turns out the delay on starting the fuselage kit worked out for the best.

Vans is working through a number of issues right now that affect my build. The Chapter 11 bankruptcy and business reorganization delayed delivery of my finish kit, which gave me time to finish the wings and start the fuselage without being rushed by another kit coming in. The finish kit was planned for crating and delivery in March/April 2024, but that date is likely slipping due to the company reorganization efforts. I have re-ordered the kit at the new (higher) prices and I hope Vans is able to get it out soon.

The second issue at Vans that affects my fuselage build is the inclusion of laser-cut parts in my fuselage kit. Vans has analyzed the inventory of laser-cut parts to determine their service lives, and categorized each part to either be replaced or used as is. In my case, 32 parts need to be replaced, including several used in this first step. I've ordered the replacement parts, and Vans is working through the orders to get parts shipped. Once again, my delayed start on the fuselage kit worked to my benefit. I don't have to re-do a lot of steps to remove and replace laser-cut parts that have already been assembled. The down-side, of course, is that I'm limited in what I can do now while I wait for the replacements.

The delay and issues at Van's resulted in other changes that I'll need to work through as part of the fuselage build. One of the biggest changes is the landing gear parts are now delivered with the fuselage kit and not the finish kit. My fuselage kit was delivered before that change took effect, so I have to work with Vans to get the landing gear parts with my finish kit as originally planned.

I stumbled across another change while reviewing the service bulletins, notifications and letters, and revisions and changes in the Service Information and Revisions section on Van's Website. Seven chapters in the build instructions, including this one (chapter 25), were updated last week (February 15th, 2024) for a flap motor update. The updated flap motor was not delivered as part of my fuselage kit, so it's time to get with Van's to see if I can return the motor I received for a credit on the new one, and also to see if I can get updated plans. It appears the only change to this chapter of the plans is the reference to the Mid Fuselage Brace as F-01405F-1 instead of F-10405F on sheets 25-01 and 25-02. This part is not permanently assembled in this step – just temporarily cleco'd in place to help brace and align other parts that are riveted and bolted together in this step of the build. I reviewed plan OP-65, RV-14 Flap Motor Retrofit to see if I could find the difference in the “dash 1” version of F-01405F-1. The difference is the gap in the flange of the F-01405F Mid Fuse Brace has been widened by 3/32” on each side (total 3/16”) to provide clearance for new Flap Motor Brackets. It doesn't look like the change will appreciably affect section 25 of the build, but it is definitely something that has to be addressed as the flap motor and housing come together in later steps.

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UPDATE: I asked Van's technical support about the flap motor retrofit, and the implications for my build. The short answer from Van's is the ES 85615-10 linear actuator supplied with my fuselage kit will “give you years of trouble free service” and the ES-FA-PA-270-12-5 Flap Motor is provided as a retrofit kit if the supplied flap actuator needs to be replaced in the future. I plan to go with the motor and parts I have, and ignore the plans updates that apply to the retrofit kit.
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The Section 25 plans don't appear to contain any new build techniques with the exception of several holes that are reamed .311 in the assemblies. The plans recommend reaming using a drill press set at low speed and lubricant, and cleaning the reamer before every hole. The plans also included the following guidance for best results while reaming:

“Lube the reamer, then insert it into the hole in the bar of the bulkhead assembly.

Begin slowly turning the reamer while pushing it through the web of the bulkhead assembly. Avoid applying any side load.”

Incorrect reaming technique has apparently led to some issues in the build, so I'll take extra care to make sure I get it right. There are also a couple steps for machine countersinking that appear to be missing - notably countersinking the bulkhead bars so they can be double-flush riveted.