2025 Build Updates
2025 has come to a close and the build is getting closer to completion!
EAA Chapter 898 continues to press forward with the build process. They’ve made significant progress and are targeting our unveiling at AirVenture 2026.
Tail
As with the end of 2024, the tail is finished, and laser-cut parts remediation is complete. It has now been permanently attached to the fuselage.
Wings
The wings for The Impossible Airplane were Quickbuild kits, and the initial assembly was done in the Philippines 🇵🇭. The team has completed laser-cut parts remediation. The new AeroLED VXi Wingtips have been built and wired. Advanced Flight Systems provided a heated pitot tube with AOA capabilities.
Fuselage
Despite some delivery delays, the team has finished the exterior of the main fuselage and attached the tail. The Advanced Flight Systems instruments were delivered, and the Aerosport 310 panel was installed. Backend components for the panel were installed. Seats were assembled and, as of December 31, were being upholstered by Aerosport. Interior plumbing and wiring are progressing rapidly. Both doors have been built and attached in a stock configuration. We are continuing to experiment with the harness provided by Hooker. Aithre supplied a supplemental oxygen system that will support the pilot and copilot (supplemental oxygen for passengers will be supplied by a portable system when needed). EarthX supplied a battery and harness. Delta Pop Aviation supplied antennas.
Firewall Forward
The IO-540 engine from Lycoming Engines arrived on site just before the end of the year. Hartzell Propeller provided a three-blade composite prop, governor, and spinner. Many other accessories and the firewall forward kit arrived in the summer/fall and were ready for installation when the engine arrived.
Paint
On December 17, we unveiled the paint scheme designed by Mirco Pecorari at Aircraft Studio Design. The livery draws from themes of disability, impossibility, Jessica, and Filipino heritage. Check out the announcement replay in the video.
Every rivet, every wire, every system brings us closer to a moment when a woman born without arms takes the controls of a one-of-a-kind airplane—and shows the world what’s possible.
