We are Building a Vans Aircraft RV-14A Together. Join Ken & Melissa VeArd Join us as we build our first airplane together, a Vans Aircraft RV-14A. During Melissa's first Visit to EAA Airventure Oshkosh in 2021, she decided that we should build an RV, so we came home and began ordering our kits. Several months into the project, we have made a lot of progress.
This channel documents our progress and our thoughts as we progress through the build. Why did we choose Option A over Option B? What Engine will we go with, what breaks will we go with and more.
Ken has been a General Aviation Pilot since 1997 and holds an FAA Private Pilot SEL, MEL with Instrument Rating. He has logged 1,500+ hours of Flight Time.
Melissa started her Flight Training in 2021 and is working on earning her SEL Private Pilot's License.
The aircraft industry is such a difficult industry to be successful in. And Vans being the 'most' successful experimental company proves it. The costs are just too high (many times because of the govt) and not enough people can afford to buy the product.
It is an all-aluminum simple airplane. At worst case, you can manufacture any parts you need. That will not be easy but will still result in your existing project not being a total loss.
Thank you! We have slowed down both in our Building and in Posting to RU-vid, but we are not stopping. Life is just pretty crazy with Baby Amelia, but we will get back to building and YouTubing soon!
At least things are starting to get better again with them. Costs more, but that is pretty standard with everything. At least we are getting the stuff we need.
It was good to have both Larry and Mary Beth stop by for the day. Got some building in and a nice dinner with them. Of course they also got some good Amelia Snuggles in as well.
Just met a retired couple at my local FBO. They are on the hanger waiting list. They originally planned to build an RV12. They were in Oregon last October visiting the Van’s factory, took a demo ride then placed a $5,000 deposit on a kit. One week later after they got home they got the extortion letter from Vans. Since the deposit was done on an American Express card, they filed a claim with Amex and walked away. I hope the Vans family files for bankruptcy and someone else takes over. No integrity.
Although we certainly understand how frustrating this whole thing as been. But we disagree with the No Integrity claim. Vans Aircraft has 50+ years of being very High Integrity. In the last couple of years they have gone through some hard times and made some pretty big mistakes that they shouldn't have. But they have never treated us without integrity. They have delivered on every promise since the Chapter 11 Filing they have made to us. Finish Kit Arrived, Back Ordered Parts have arrived, even our Laser Cut Parts arrived. If some mega Corp like Textron were to take over for the Vans Family, it would be a lot worse than it is today. We don't want that!
@@N14VE I respectfully disagree. Offering a contract to a customer, customer agrees and confirms the contract with a deposit. Then ONE week later send a letter saying that the deposit will not only not be refunded but also must accept a plus 30% increase in price or submit a claim in bankruptcy. I will call that many things but certainly not integrity. What would integrity look like in action? Suspending orders until the audit was complete for starters. I could go on. I really feel sorry for the customers who got caught up in this mess and I do wish them the best. I, however, do not have good feelings for the owner of Vans.
Now I'm waiting with bated breath for the Aileron assembly😉 Seriously, though, been following your videos lately and appreciating how much y'all are willing to share not only of the work you're doing but also your thoughts and outlook on things, especially with the whole bankruptcy thing at Van's.
Thank you for watching us. It has been a tough several months for all of us builders. But Vans has been doing pretty good to get the ball rolling again for us all. We've gotten just about everything they promised us so far.
What I would have done was cut 1/2" strips of heat shrink and during the build have the located where they would be best and then after all the wiring was completed just heat shrink the strips. I have done this many,many times during wiring and re-wiring.
The big problem is some of it is a VERY tight fit in the hole/snap bushings provided. Enlarging the holes is possible but a real pain, so we are trying to avoid that. There are a couple places that adding simple wire wraps will make the wire bundle big enough that it won't make it through the snap bushing.
I’ve seen some interesting videos on wire shrink wrap. Not covering the entire length, but cutting pieces and placing them apart along the harness. For example a 1/4 piece every six inches. Easy to trace wires and easy to modify.
@@umatgreyhound no worries. I did take the comment as in good fun. Melissa teases me about it as well. Millie is the star of the show now for sure. Can’t wait until she is able to actually put her hands on the build.
Got my finish kit one year ago/still don’t have bag 3215-1 . If you have that bag it is supposed to be mine. You cannot put your gear on without bag 3215-1. If you have that bag I will get you my shipping address so you can send it to me!!
The finishing kit was HUGE, inventoried and ready to go. (Decided to do all the wiring and avionics install before I start the finishing kit). Steve did once again remind me that Johnathon’s and his incredible and talented team will use there special skills on my fiberglass and aluminum on my RV14A Build. It will transform into a beautiful amazing aircraft! All I need to do now is get to building! Ken and Melissa, Thank you for sharing N14VE build with us all.
Nice guys! My motor and finish kit is due mid April. I’m a long way from needing it though and have to find a place to store it. I’m trying to build mine in a single car garage. The struggle is real!
@@N14VE yes I was lucky. I purchased the kit from a couple who started the empennage but couldn’t continue on with the build due to exigent circumstances. So I was very fortunate enough to be able to acquire it as a package deal. Their order was placed sometime ago.
So I'm looking at the RV14 for myself and I can see myself and my wife doing the exact thing you two did. Great video to share with her. Thank you for going through all the work it takes to put these together. Its worth it and it's appreciated.
Great video!! How did people ever build kitplanes in the era before RU-vid? - or can you young folk even remember that time? I had two friends back in 1993 who started builds but neither one finished it.
I wouldn't have started this project without seeing a lot of RU-vid Videos first. Hope we are doing our part to add value to other builders with our channel
My AME sucked..the program is broken. FAA is not helpful and let guys fly who lie and punish the folks who tell the truth..Medical community was not helpful and not understanding and seems to be a good ole boys network.
You mentioned a "quick build instruction sheet" which sent me on a search for such a document with no success. Could you say where you sourced such a document? Thanks in advance.
Van's must have been making as many parts as they could over the last six months during this LCP issue. I ordered my Fuse kit in September 2023 and got final payment request Jan 12th. Made payment on 19th, waiting for shipment news hopefully soon. No telling how long it will be for my LCP. Have not even been contacted yet.
I bet they will do they same for you as they did for us. Once they have your kit ready, you’ll get an email where you can confirm the LCP you need. And they will include it with your kit. Shouldn’t be much longer.
