Last Rivet! 1st Engine Run! Flying Next! - FINAL Build Vlog

The project is FINISHED… These were the final steps before 1st Flight!
Proudly associated with ForeFlight: www.foreflight.com/flightchops/
Visit www.FlightChops.com for behind the scenes and monthly GiveAways!
In this “Airplane Build Vlog” episode of Flight Chops: start the engine for the first time after pounding the final rivets and finishing up the last of the build tasks.
The custom armrest / quadrant comes from here:
(this is the RV-10 version, but the RV-14 one is soon to be publicly available too)
www.aerosportproducts.com/pro...
View the Full “Airplane Build Vlog” playlist here:
• It’s HAPPENING! Airpla...
Here are some of the major component partners we are proud to be working with on the Van’s Aircraft RV-14:
www.vansaircraft.com/
www.garmin.com/en-US/
www.lycoming.com/engines/thun...
hartzellprop.com/
www.steinair.com/
www.earthxbatteries.com
hartzell.aero/
aeroleds.com/
www.classicaero.com/
www.mcfarlaneaviation.com/
www.hookerharness.com/aviatio...
The “aircraft builder creators” I’d love for you to discover if you haven’t already:
Plane Lady:
/ @planelady
Build Fly Go:
/ @buildflygo
Jason Ellis:
/ vihravendrel
After years of avoiding getting into “Merch”, enough people requesting it finally inspired me to launch a store - All of the revenue goes back into producing quality aviation content.
Support FlightChops and get your merch at the new store:
FlightChops.store/
Huge thanks to all the Supporters on Patreon! Productions like this wouldn't be possible without your help and ongoing support.
Check out FlightChops’ on Patreon to find out how you can be part of it: / flightchops
#kitplane #homebuilt #vansaircraft
Sponsor & Supporter Links:
ForeFlight
www.foreflight.com/flightchops/
Bose Aviation
www.bose.com/a20/
Van’s Aircraft
www.vansaircraft.com/
CloudAhoy
www.cloudahoy.com/P/flightchops/
Infinite Flight
infiniteflight.com/
The Finer Points of Flying - Jason Miller:
adventure.learnthefinerpoints...
Spectrum Airways Flight Training:
www.spectrumairways.com/
FLIGHT CHOPS DISCLAIMER:
I am a "weekend warrior" private pilot, I fly for fun with no intentions of going commercial. I have had my PPL for over 15 years, but still consider each flight a learning experience - I generally take detailed notes after each flight to remind myself what went well or what I could do to improve.... Having GoPro cameras to record flights like this is invaluable. I find these self analysis videos very helpful in my constant quest to improve, and am happy to share. Feedback is invited; however, please keep it positive.
Visit www.FlightChops.com/ for behind-the-scenes content, epic giveaways and to search episodes by aircraft type!

[@TrentonPalmer]

Oh man, so close!! Can't wait to see that baby in the air!

[@FlightChops]

Yeah man - it's definitely something to get airborne in a thing you took part in building - those episodes are coming next

[@davidrobinson7112]

Lppp0plp0p0om bj

[@nonormies2837]

You guys would light youtube on fire in a collab

[@SmittySmithsonite]

Man, look at that!! Got the engine fired up - she's almost ready! Looks BEAUTIFUL to boot! Looks like it's capable of 200 MPH just sitting on the ground, lol. Can't wait to see the first flight!! Wow, and those cables are AMAZING!! I've been working on motorcycles and lawn equipment a long time, and I know crappy cables when I see them ... and these are NOT crappy cables!! 180° opposite spectrum here! I should have these guys build me some clutch and throttle cables for my '74 Yamaha RD350 - they'd last the life of the machine (which could be another 100 years!). I guess we all need to get used to hearing, "Charlie Fox Charlie Golf Alpha" pretty soon! You must be STOKED!!

[@FlightChops]

I appreciate the long term encouragement and support from you Smitty :)

[@SmittySmithsonite]

@@FlightChops Thanks brother! I always appreciate your efforts in bringing us your amazing aviation content! You’re probably singlehanded responsible for creating HUNDREDS of new pilots! 👍😎🍻

[@PatrickJWenzel]

Batteries... then CHTs, red cubes, heavy wings, dragging wheels, radio glitches... A journey within a miracle that enough comes together to resolve all the tweeks. Well done!

[@francisschweitzer8431]

FCGA = Flight Chops General Aviation…. TOOOO COOL 😎

[@FlightChops]

That is correct :)

[@rexmyers991]

As an A&P / AI since 1967 and as a pIlot (ATP 13,000 hrs) since 1962, I felt like a kid again watching you guys get to the finish line. CONGRATULATIONS! Good luck, clear skies, and tailwinds to Oshkosh.

[@zigzag4068]

I just spend a minute looking at the video-thumbnail and a voice kept whispering: "To infinity and beyond!". The stance, it presses its breast up towards the skies to conquer..... I wish you all the best and happy flying!

[@michaelm.9219]

I like the double language in the identification plate : Bravo à tous et bon vol ! Cheers !

[@FlightChops]

Cool yeah, it was an honour to install that

[@BenEater]

Congrats Steve and team! Definitely looking forward to seeing the plane at OSH this year... Fingers crossed you'll get it flying in time!

[@nyanlauncher7350]

didn't know you were a plane guy too

[@gsisk911]

Next use the worlds worst GPU to run the glass on a plane.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks Ben! She's flying - the question is; will we get the paperwork issued in time to leave the 25 mile test flight radius..? We just finished the required hours yesterday, so hopefully this week we get the full airworthiness issued!

[@marsgal42]

😍 What else can I say? We got McFarlane controls for my Musketeer’s new engine. The mixture was PMA off-the-shelf. The throttle was custom. Both are works of art.

[@FlightChops]

Totally amazing feel to them too

[@outermarker]

Congratulations! Can't believe it's already finished, I remember the video of your first steps on the practise kit like it was yesterday.

[@francisschweitzer8431]

Well if you go back and re watch it…. It will seem like it was five minutes ago…. Lol.

[@PlaneLady]

Congratulations Steve! 🥳 very exciting to see your completed RV-14 - hope we get to see it at Oshkosh! And thank you for the shout out at the end 😊

[@FlightChops]

You bet!

[@SouthernLatitudesFL]

Hi, (At 2:09) On the prop governor, make sure you install a jam nut on the rod-end. Secondly, you should always install a large surface washer under the bolt head on engine control rod-ends so if the bearing fails, the rod-end stays attached and does not pop over the bolt.

[@richarddarlington1139]

As a retired auto painter, I want to paint that bird so badly, I can almost taste it. Let the test flights begin!

[@goatflieg]

Congratulations! Such a huge milestone. My notes: Seeing the cables reminded me of what lays ahead of me, reinstalling the engine (more bad news there; more delays). Fuselage paint is complete, and you reminded me that yes, I can finally attach my data plate. Something tells me I'll be replacing my battery too... same batteries; same issues are likely. So much to think about for final assembly and testing; but can't get ahead of myself. Painting the canopy skirt now; fuselage with canopy should go to the hangar next week. Transition training with Bruce Bohannon next October. Thanks as always for helping me keep the fire lit; it's getting brighter as completion gets closer. So good to see the CH2A fleet again; hope to visit in August.

[@FlightChops]

Always appreciate hearing your updates - we’ll definitely fly the 14 down to help you out when able

[@GlenAndFriendsCooking]

Looks Great! If the border opens we'll be at Osh this year - scoping equipment for the C172B that we just bought!

[@danielkelly2774]

It should be good regardless - air travel across the border for Canadians is permitted, and in any case, aircrew are exempt!

[@thehoeser]

@@danielkelly2774 Exercise caution with this. As someone who has crossed a few times during COVID under General Aviation regulations, this air crew exemption is not being interpreted as it should be. Unless you can prove you were hired to actually fly the airplane, you will not be covered as "air crew". It seems like it's totally up to how the particular guard wants to interpret "air crew".

[@danielkelly2774]

@@thehoeser that is interesting to get your first-hand experience. I haven't tried it myself, but when I saw the exemption for "crew members" I saw this as an interesting loophole to travel transborder as PIC. As with all of this, border agent interpretation seems to vary drastically!

[@RumblestripDotNet]

So, Cocktails After Dark will become Cocktails After Flight? The Old Cookbook Show becomes The Old Plane Show?

[@niklaspilot]

Hang on a second! Glen just bought a C172, say whaaaat? I didn't even expect to see you here in Flight Chops comments, even less saying you just bought an airplane! :D

[@jonathanirons231]

Congratulations Steve. This is a magnificent achievement by you and the guys. What a team! Look forward to seeing you up in the air!

[@davidallen9526]

Steve must have been a pleasure to have such a knowledgeable group working with you. Congratulations on making it to such a milestone in your build. I bet the whole way home you couldn't stop smiling. What a awesome job of fit and finish. So happy for you buddy!

[@Corrvision]

Awesome Steve, great to see your progress on this project and with your channel!!!

[@Poiuytrewq11286]

This makes me happy to see your joy!

[@francisschweitzer8431]

WOW STEVE!!!! THANK YOU for the VLOG… so much edit skill …. MUCH ❤️❤️to you and your new aircraft. Many pleasurable flights ahead. I can tell from the vlogs that your aircraft is assembled as good OR BETTER then any commercial made plane. I can’t wait for the flying videos

[@AviatingWithMel]

Congratulations Steve, really well done. I can't wait to see the test flying.

[@Lightjug]

Congratulations on this milestone. Thanks for taking us along on this video journey.

[@StridesandSummits]

Woohoo! I bet that was exhilarating to have it light up for the first time! It has been good fun to watch this come together and wish you the best in the flight testing. Congratulations!

[@tyler_russell]

You sure make unbelievably beautiful videos. This one was fun to watch. Can’t wait for the next one.

[@blue123111]

Man I get so stoked when I see a new episode. Thanks for all the great content. That interior looks DOPE. You guys did a great job.

[@paulcarstens2601]

I loved seeing you rivet on the name plate. That must have been a rush - one of many. Congrats team!

[@FlightChops]

Yes it was!

[@elainethorne4344]

@@FlightChops We cried when we saw you doing that......proud Mama and Apu Xox

[@gordonfeliciano4315]

Congrats Chops! Nicely done!

[@Timbo428CJ]

Oh man, you're sooooooo close, best of luck with the rest of the process 🤞🤞🤞🤙👍🇨🇦. We're all waiting with anticipation 🙏

[@Mrcaffinebean]

Congrats on finishing the plane! I can't wait to see the video I the first flight

[@ForFunFlyer]

Awesome to see her come to live, Steve! 👌🏻 And thanks so much for sharing the build, well done! 👍🏻

[@thejcarne]

Don't worry Steve, I just finished my RV-7A and it won't be painted at Osh either! haha Congrats on finishing the build, I know better than most how much work it takes! It's a big accomplishment you just made.

[@halepauhana153]

Awesome work! It's been a fun ride following the progress of the build. Fingers crossed, I'll see you and the RV at KOSH!

[@TheBullethead]

Congrats on getting so far and good luck with the flying part! Great job by all hands involved. Watching this vlog made me nostalgic for my days building airplanes for Vought, but also reminded me of how much work goes into one.. You're quite fortunate to have had so many experienced assistants to share the burden. I hope you make it to Osh.

[@Neilazbiker]

Congratulations Team Flight Chops. Very nice work.

[@davejoynt6276]

Ive been watching you flying around for about the last week, you come right over my back yard on base, that plane slows down nicely, and just floats by, what a beauty, congratulations.

[@FlightChops]

Awesome yeah - she flys great! (There are two of us flying new / unpainted RV-14s out of Windsor :)

[@chrishowe2935]

Congratulations Steve. Can’t wait to see it flying. 😊

[@TheCanadianBubba]

Congrats to the whole team, well done ! Look forward to seeing you fly it Steve !

[@ILYAGIK]

Congrats!

[@HoltAircraft]

so happy for you mate! Can't wait to start my own project

[@AerialPhotogGuy]

I can't believe it's been two years since this build started! Wow!! Good luck on....well......everything!!

[@FlightChops]

Yeah - it went kinda fast - despite the weirdness that the last 18 months has brought!

[@AviatorGeek]

Great work! Congratulations!! Looking forward to seeing it in the air.

[@hachipanki8634]

Congratulations for all the team that worked on this!! Awesome job, so glad you guys came all the way here, greetings from Argentina! Salud!

[@Biggyniner]

Awesome man! Been following from the beginning... Pumped for you!

[@e-rj8984]

Congratulations! Really BEAUTIFUL work this Steve 👍

[@Oglongs]

its cool to see people use the same stuff that i do at my hangar as well. unit...

[@osumbuckeyenut]

GREAT editing!!! And gorgeous plane! Congrats

[@trevcessna1723]

Beautiful plane! ….shows you only need a crew of people to build it if you actually want to fly it! This kit is so complicated most people will never finish it by themselves. Happy for you, enjoy!!

[@colinwallace5286]

My wife’s cousin built a Murphy Rebel (now at a flight school with the dual control kit installed, and an RV8A mostly in his Vancouver single garage, and by himself other than during a few marathon riveting sessions. He also went with flush rivets, and a flat parts kit.

[@FlightChops]

Actually, our friend Glenn on the field who had no building experience, started his RV-14 after us and first flew a day before we did. So it can be done alone!

[@trevcessna1723]

I’m not saying it’s impossible just highly unlikely. If you have laser focus and work on it 40 hours a week and have no family obligations it may be possible. Anyway, love your channel and I am slightly jealous you have so many type certifications hahaha! :) Thanks Bro!

[@colinwallace5286]

I am a fan of the polished aluminum. How about some yellow graphics, and leave it at that? You could do a “tear-off” effect with that distinctive yellow as homage to the museum…🤔😎

[@FlightChops]

Thanks yeah - we weren't quite precious enough with the skins to leave them polished - there are some battle scars from a crew that had some first time builders (like me) that scratched it in places that we really need paint to cover

[@colinwallace5286]

@@FlightChops There was a guy in Quebec years ago who decided to build a cabover Kenworth show truck with 100% polished stainless steel bodywork. While the results were spectacular, he said it was a nightmare at times just figuring out how to work with the stuff. I’m sure my brain went back to the first time I saw a polished P51 or something. They just look so great sitting there, as does your RV. The group of people who pulled this off should be proud as hell, scratches and all. Can’t wait to see it looking great in the air as well. By the sound of that engine, it should be a happy performer.

[@allenthoe8091]

Its been fun to watch the process. Your decision to go with the 14 was influential in my own decision to go the same route, though I am going tricycle gear. Hope to learn more about the 390 exp119 as you’re blazing the trail here. I’m committed to the same engine so I hope it proves to be the right one! Congratulations on completing your plane!

[@bnelson313braveheart8]

Soon! What a word soon is. The plane looks great.

[@richardkennedy4186]

Fantastic, the throttle quadrant is great

[@danr597]

Congratulations! Just went through that about a month ago, flying phase 1 on my 7A as we speak (also a 390). Great planes, even greater company!

[@brentdykgraaf184]

See the chops smash the like button.....What a beauty Steve...hope to see you and it at osh. That would be a sweet first trip with your brand new bird. Be safe sir.

[@BravoCharlieGlobal]

I'm so excited for you!!

[@simonbouch4891]

Very good work, on the plane and the video! Very inspiring!

[@kitfoxflyer1978]

Looks great Steve! Excited to see the flight videos and to see it at Oshkosh.

[@austonwheels]

Zombie escape ready, but not Canada Transport approved. Lol! Congrats! It looks really good, even without paint!

[@FlightChops]

Haha - thanks for watching to the end :)

[@bryan.meijer]

Nice, congratulations 🎉

[@lancewilliams5726]

Congratulations, I really enjoyed watching your aircraft come together, you gave me one ton of information I can use for building my RV 10, great job.

[@FlightChops]

Awesome, thank you! Best of luck with the 10 - it's an awesome platform.

[@glennwatson]

Exciting. Congrats on starting her up. Now the exciting part in my opinion the flying.

[@FlightChops]

For sure!

[@FlatOutFE]

So awesome. Way to go. Thanks for sharing the process.

[@FlightChops]

Thanks for watching!

[@martymcgill1312]

This is great stuff. Congratulations on your progress and be safe!

[@FlightChops]

Thank you! Will do!

[@ukaszzatorski675]

congrats on your rv14 looking good i just finish my fly test on my harvard i am watching all of your videos about the build

[@alanluscombe8a553]

Congratulations man it is wonderful to see it now. I have watched along the entire time

[@FlightChops]

Awesome! thanks for watching the whole time!

[@lonnieholcomb2078]

Good For You Steve!

[@chuckmccollim]

Great job!

[@adrenalinowner7992]

Great progress steve

[@LethinGabbins]

What a cute little world fuels truck. Great video.

[@eaglescanfly]

Looks awesome! keep up the awesome job!

[@SkylineBaronPilot]

This is so awesome! Amazing information and so much work!!!! Thank you for sharing ✈️✨ I don’t understand the dislike.... 🙄 great job!!

[@CaptainCharlieBravo]

I’ve been following along for the past couple of years and you definitely inspired me to build my own. I pick my 14 kit up in September, complete with thunderbolt, and really look forward to experiencing this journey myself. I’d love to catch up with you one day and compare notes. Best of luck on your test flights!

[@FlightChops]

For sure - glad to hear I helped nudge you in the right direction :)

[@SwedishVFR]

Looks totally amazing 👍

[@406flying]

Love to see how you moved the canopy release to the side.

[@ronboe6325]

Woot! Gotta say I was feeling those feel good vibes finally seeing you guys button this up. Coulda watched another 4 hours of the final touches!

[@francisschweitzer8431]

DITTO

[@FlightChops]

Yeah - I honestly could have made 4 more episodes with the footage I have still piled up, but I wanted to catch up with the real time situation and share flying it to Osh this month!

[@JoseAlfonsoChavez]

Congratulations on your build Steve! That looks amazing! (BTW: Am I the only one that wanted the tail number to be C-HOPS?)

[@thehoeser]

We genuinely tried, but Transport Canada wasn't willing to open up C-H lettering just for us. All of Canadian registered GA is under C-F and C-G callsigns.

[@tiny_toilet]

Engine sounds great. May she fly as good as she looks.

[@donaldholman9070]

Tiny wheels. Great video. Thank you!

[@FlyUK]

Looks amazing! Love that bare aluminium look! 😍

[@planeswithperry]

Wow, your build series really hits home that I need to get moving faster on my flight journey! While you built a plane I watched Netflix and crushed party-packs of Doritos. You and your team have built an awesome aircraft! I look forward to your next vids! (In between me flying more of course).

[@crtzmo]

Really exciting times - and I disagree with anticlimactic! So much to learn and absorb. And that cockpit! Those instruments! How far you’ve come from those first video uploads.. Awesome - 👍

[@FlightChops]

Good point - Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cyh4031]

Congrats on a dream nearly fulfilled!!!

[@_Levi393]

Good luck on the final inspection team and congratulations! (:

[@spikekavalench]

VERY IMPRESSIVE! Love that centre console. You should sell kits.

[@Mrsournotes]

Nicely done FC and Gang. Props to you all. Really cool that Elliot is your test pilot.👍🏽👍🏽

[@FlightChops]

Thanks! And yeah - Elliot is our test pilot consultant for sure - but Dave did the first flight and he rocked it

[@louissanderson719]

Amazing group of friends you have! Well done man!

[@yzaw4411]

You are a very fortune person to have such a talent group working on your aircraft. It must make you feel good and know safety is number one. Good Luck!!!

[@FlightChops]

Thanks Louis

[@j121212100]

i like the new look.

[@jannepeltonen2036]

Awesome :) Congrats :)

[@BobHolowenko]

I love that callsign! "Chops General Aviation"

[@FlightChops]

Cool yeah - short of getting "C-HOPS" I figured that was a close second :)

[@niklaspilot]

Can't wait to see her fly Steve! Really hoping I can make it to Canada at some point to see for myself ;)

[@FlightChops]

For sure - get here and wee'll fly the warbird feet too!

[@AlexFeldstein]

Awesome!

[@FlightChops]

Thank you Alex! Cheers!

[@aaronbarnhard8668]

Congrats Steve!!

[@FlightChops]

Thanks Aaron - miss you around the hangar man!

[@aaronbarnhard8668]

@@FlightChops Looking forward to things getting back to normal soon.

[@durwoodhibbard9312]

Sounds great with my ear buds...

[@thehoeser]

"She'll fly without paint" .... Hell ya she will!

[@ludwigrieger7556]

Job well done

[@FlightChops]

Thanks for being a long time subscriber Ludwig!

[@Project2Aero]

That thing is gonna be a ripper!

[@FlightChops]

Can confirm. - getting 183 kts true at ~7000 DA with ~75% break in power settings.

[@Project2Aero]

@@FlightChops Very nice! 🚀

[@philconey11]

You'll have to race Scrappy, since y'all are gonna be done about the same time.

[@BlackMaze]

I so so so love that plane without paint!

[@brianjohnston9822]

The video gives a good perspective on why airplanes cost so much. Listening to the McFarlane rep, talk about all the re engineering step, all I am hearing is “cha Chang”

[@a10moondog1]

Steve, Great work on the filming and editing! Congratulations to you and your team of volunteers. What was the final weight before paint? Were you guys happy with the empty weight number? Always a balance between building light and strong and over building. This has been an epic journey. Phenomenal content.

[@thehoeser]

1261lbs. We're happy with it for sure considering how much we packed in there.

[@simeon2851]

That felt like an operating room. 😊