Sindres RV-14A

I was finally ready to start building, and the natural part to start on (I guess everyone do that one first) is the vertical stabilizer.  I've decided to use ATracker PRO to track time used on the different parts. So far I've used close to 14 hours. All parts are now primed. Dimpling and riveting remains. Attaching the reinforcement plate to the front spar. The rear spar, doubler and hinges match drilled. Fluting is necessary to get the bar holes aligned. The whole VS framework clecoed together. All the ribs are fluted and flanges are adjusted to fit nicely. Everything clecoed together. Etching and priming All parts deburred and ready for etching. Note that I taped the holes in the skin to avoid that the etch would flow through to the outside. Etching the skin. I just sprayed the etch on and lightly scrubbed with the scotch brite. The skin is ready. I decided to do that one last after all the substructure parts. A...

I completed the airfoil training kit today, and I think building this kit gives a lot of essential learning. I made a few mistakes that I certainly will have on my mind when starting on the "real" build. As I wanted to try out the whole priming process, all pieces was riveted together as the last task. The top skin was quite easy to rivet. Accidentally I riveted along the ribs without thinking about that  bottom skin will then be very difficult to get on. So I just drilled all out. The tungsten bucking bar with some tape on to protect the bar. I think I managed rolling the curve quite nice using a broomstick.

I've already completed the simple 3 part training kit, and my intention is now to build the wing section they way I'll assemble the aircraft. That is drill, debur and dimple all parts before priming and finally riveting. Just about to start on the wing section Clecoed together. Ready to start with the trailing edge. I quickly made a jig on the 3D printer to drill the trailing edge at 84° as called out. It look straight, but the wedge slipped without I noticed it. See below. A mistake!. The wedge slipped - the clamping was not good enough. Adjusting the counter sinker on a scrap piece. Dimpling the skin. This is just so easy with the C-frame from Cleaveland tools.  Priming I have decided to use the Stewart System EkoPoxy primer (Smoke Gray color). It is a waterborne Epoxy Primer. It requires an etching process first, which can be done with EkoEtch diluted with water in the ratio 1:2. I covered the bench with plastic and sprayed...

I've completed the inventory and organized all parts in shelf's and boxes. I'm impressed - only 1 single screw was missing.

Today the empennage kit arrived. It was shipped from Vans on December 3, so it took only 10 days with air freight. No damage at all.