I have been planning for some months to build an RV-14A. After a long break from flying, I had an RV-12 previously (SLSA) and loved it's simplicity and the advanced avionics. But after putting 65 hours on the -12 in 5 months I decided to go to a higher performance aircraft. Considered RV-10 but ended up buying a 1975 Bonanza which I'll keep flying during the build. However it was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to experience building an airplane and a two-seater should work just fine for the mission. I may even end up keeping both.
The shop was a hard decision: we have been the "keep both cars in the garage" type for the most part. We have a 1-car garage but it's really tight and we need a place for junk including trash cans and recycle bin. So we decided to use "half" of the 2-car garage (and park the 2nd car outside when extra space is needed). My home was a builder's model so the garage is insulated and exceptionally well lighted, having been a showroom/office (14 can lights!). My big splurge was adding a mini-split AC to this room to make it tolerable in Florida from May to October. I added insulation to the garage door. The mini-split system is the bees knees....
Next step - build three workbenches: one 2x4 for vise, grinder, sander. Two standard EAA with a slight mod: two layers of plywood on top and a heavier molding around the plywood. Top layer is easy to remove. I'm adding some rubber mat padding as well. I wanted to put the band saw and drill press on a separate bench - found the perfect size on on Craigslist.
Yesterday I ordered the empennage kit. Heading to Synergy Air next week for the fundamentals class. I'm hoping to find an RV mentor or two in the Jax area to look over my shoulder. Vic Syracuse will be giving me some guidance as well.
Some pics of the shop below - since these photos I've added some RapidAir outlets/manifold and also a Cleaveland Air manifold to the compressor. Amazingly no leaks! Added lighting under the cabinets. Also a nice rolling toolbox. Tools on the way from PlaneTools.
The shop was a hard decision: we have been the "keep both cars in the garage" type for the most part. We have a 1-car garage but it's really tight and we need a place for junk including trash cans and recycle bin. So we decided to use "half" of the 2-car garage (and park the 2nd car outside when extra space is needed). My home was a builder's model so the garage is insulated and exceptionally well lighted, having been a showroom/office (14 can lights!). My big splurge was adding a mini-split AC to this room to make it tolerable in Florida from May to October. I added insulation to the garage door. The mini-split system is the bees knees....
Next step - build three workbenches: one 2x4 for vise, grinder, sander. Two standard EAA with a slight mod: two layers of plywood on top and a heavier molding around the plywood. Top layer is easy to remove. I'm adding some rubber mat padding as well. I wanted to put the band saw and drill press on a separate bench - found the perfect size on on Craigslist.
Yesterday I ordered the empennage kit. Heading to Synergy Air next week for the fundamentals class. I'm hoping to find an RV mentor or two in the Jax area to look over my shoulder. Vic Syracuse will be giving me some guidance as well.
Some pics of the shop below - since these photos I've added some RapidAir outlets/manifold and also a Cleaveland Air manifold to the compressor. Amazingly no leaks! Added lighting under the cabinets. Also a nice rolling toolbox. Tools on the way from PlaneTools.