Had to manufacture a new part (E-1008B Rib) to replace the one that I had made an error on. Thankfully VANS were able to send me a plan of the part with all dimensions rather than sending me a new part and the associated exorborant freight costs.  I had plenty of aluminium sheet so I was able to make the part.
​

Built the Vans practise flap kit to continue with some practising before I get into the real thing. The flap section actually looks like the real thing so it helps get ready.

Not sure I'm still happy with riveting especially in the hard to reach spots in the ribs. You can see the bends in the edge. Won't be doing that on the actually aircraft.

​Alodine looks a bit better though.

Completed the Vans practice Tool Box today.

Still need practice with riveting I think. Most were good but one or two didn't turn out too well. Tried a few different methods as well. The Pneumatic squeezer will need much more practise I think.

Did some practise with the Alodine. A bit patchy. Not sure if this the Alodine process or the Alumiprep. Not sure how much I should be "roughing" up the Aluminium. Noticed there were still patches of muck from the blue plastic and images from the red labelling.

Open to any help with this. Suggestions or tips on what is best. How long to leave in Alumiprep etc.

Category numbers reflect the numbering of the sections of the Van's Builders Manual for each of the specific items.

EMPENNAGE / AFT FUSELAGE KIT​
 - 6. Vertical Stabiliser
 - 7. Rudder
 - 8. Horizontal Stabiliser
 - 9. Elevator
 - 10. Aft Fuselage
 - 11. Empennage Attachments
 - 12. Empennage Fairings
 - OP56. Optional Tail Lighting

WING KIT
 - 13. Main Spar
 - 14. Wing Ribs 
 - 15. Rear Spar
 - 16. Top Wing Skins
 - 17. Outboard Leading Edge
 - 18. Fuel Tank
 - 19. Wing Systems Routing
 - 20. Bottom Wing Skins
 - 21. Flap
 - 22. Aileron
 - 23. Aileron Actuation
 - 24. Wing Tip
 - OP38. Optional Aileron Trim
 - OP52. Optional Landing Light
 - OP55. Optional Wing-tip Navigation Lighting

FUSELAGE KIT
 - 25. Forward-Mid Fuselage Bulkheads
 - 26. Mid Fuselage Lower Structure
 - 27. Firewall
 - 28. Forward Fuselage Lower Structure
 - 29. Forward-Mid Fuselage Side Structure
 - 30. Aft Fuselage Attachment
 - 31. Fuel System
 - 32. Baggage Area
 - 33. Rudder and Brake Systems
 - 34. Flap Actuation Systems
 - 35. Upper Forward Fuselage
 - 36. Aileron & Elevator Systems
 - 37. Roll Over Structure

FINISHING KIT
 - 38. Canopy and Window
 - 39. Seatbacks
 - 40A. Tricycle Landing Gear & Engine Mount
 - 41. Wing Attachment
 - 42. Miscellanea
 - 45. Cowling
 - 46A. Tricycle Gear Leg & Wheel Fairings

POWER-PLANT KIT
 - 43. Engine Installation
 - 44. Spinner & Propeller
 - 47. Cowl Baffle
 - 48. Exhaust System
 - 49. Fuel & Oil System
 - 50. Control Cables

AVIONICS KIT
 - 51. Antenna Installation
 - 52. ACK ELT

After visiting the EAA Airventure Oshkosh 2015, I continued my journey through the USA and visited the factory of Van's Aircraft in Aurora, Oregon. Ken showed me through the factory then took me on a test flight in the RV14A. 

After researching different types to build over a couple of years I had basically decided to join the Van's building fraternity and go with the RV14A. The test flight sealed the deal and I placed my order while I was there. Empenage ordered and paid for, deposit paid on Wing kit.

The journey begins. Vans Builder No.. 140239