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Why Building Your Own RV-10 Can Be Your Next Great Adventure

Update The Journey of Building a Van's Aircraft RV-10 Building an aircraft can seem like an overwhelming task, but don’t tell that to Keith Readner and his wife, Polly. Their dream of creating a four-seater RV-10 took off in 2019 when they decided to swap their old Cherokee for something more exhilarating and capable. With an IO-540 engine at play, the RV-10 promised to give them not just speed—reaching 175 knots—but also the thrilling adventure of constructing an aircraft from scratch. Finding Community and Expert Guidance in Aviation Often, for newbies diving into aviation projects, community support plays a pivotal role. Keith’s initial hesitance waned as he sought guidance from experienced builders. At Vernon Regional Airport, he sought out tips from Rick Thorburn, an RV-building guru. This mentorship provided not just invaluable skills but also the confidence needed to plunge headlong into the project. “It’s unnerving to take on such a commitment, but the community here is supportive,” Keith said. The Building Process: Highs and Lows Keith’s journey was filled with learning curves and unexpected challenges. While building his vertical stabilizer, he struggled with those pesky rivets and made more than a few mistakes—each one felt monumental at first. Yet, these hurdles often serve as important lessons in the world of aviation. After all, “it’s how you fix them that counts,” as fellow builder Les Kearney wisely advised. Mistakes transformed into stepping stones, pushing Keith forward. Building Together: A Team Effort It quickly became clear to Keith that building an aircraft is a two-person sport. He and Polly discovered that effective communication was crucial when working on complex parts like the fuselage and wings. Their partnership not only improved the building process but also brought them closer, underlining the often overlooked emotional aspects of aviation craftsmanship. Overcoming Obstacles: Patience and Persistence Throughout the construction phase—from dealing with production delays to learning about advanced building techniques—Keith maintained an essential character trait: persistence. The journey took four years and over 3,491 hours, a timeline transformed by perseverance and determination. By the time the inspector arrived to review the finished aircraft, all of the painstaking labor was rewarded. “Receiving that special certificate of airworthiness was surreal,” Keith recalls. Taking to the Skies: The First Flight Experience After all the hard work, the moment arrived. Keith prepared for the inaugural takeoff of their self-made aircraft, C-GMMD, affectionately nicknamed Ms. Destini. On that day, as he eased the throttle forward, all doubts fell away as the plane soared into the sky. With 30 minutes of jubilant flying behind him, Keith landed safely, overwhelmed with the magnificent sense of accomplishment. “It was worth every moment,” he exclaimed. The Broader Impact of Building Aircraft Keith’s experience encapsulates a larger movement within the aviation community: the passion for building and the shared stories that inspire others on similar journeys. The vibrant camaraderie among builders fosters a culture where knowledge, encouragement, and friendship thrive. For many, including both Keith and Polly, these building projects are about more than just construction; they forge lifelong memories and introduce them to a world of adventure. Exploring Future Adventures As Keith and Polly plan their next steps—traveling to events like Oshkosh—they're not just looking forward to flying; they’re excited to share their story and inspire others. With a plane meant for exploration, their future is bright, open to all of the possibilities the sky offers. After making so many sacrifices, not only do they have a beautiful airplane, but a multitude of memories to create together. Have you been inspired by Keith and Polly's journey? Whether you're thinking about your own building project, or simply interested in the world of aviation—sharing your story is part of this vibrant community!