By Charles “Chip” Mikesell, EAA 1268004

This piece originally ran in the January 2026 issue of EAA Sport Aviation magazine.

Aviation has been part of my DNA from the beginning — I literally flew the day I was born. My father, an A&P mechanic, has always had me around airplanes, and I grew up helping him work on aircraft. From wiping down wings to assisting on engine maintenance, I learned early the value of hands-on experience. By the time I was 16, I was already flying solo. That early exposure, combined with years of practical work alongside my father, nurtured a lifelong passion that eventually guided me into a career as an air traffic controller. Yet, even with all that experience, the desire to build and fly something truly my own never faded.

Before the RV-10, I flew a Maule M-5 — a solid, reliable aircraft — but I often felt constrained by the limitations and costs of the certified world. Maintenance, upgrades, and modifications were not only expensive but often restrictive, making certain improvements almost prohibitive. In the experimental world, however, you have the freedom to make changes, explore solutions, and truly own the aircraft you fly. I wanted an aircraft that I could call mine in every sense: to build it, understand it, and fly it freely. In August 2020, I began the journey of constructing my own experimental aircraft.

The RV-10 kit I chose was a “quick-build” design, with wings and fuselage largely preassembled. Even so, assembling an airplane from a kit is no small feat. Parts arrived in stages, and there were about 18 months of waiting for various kit sections to arrive. To keep the project on track, I stuck closely to the plans, resisting the temptation to reengineer components or add extra features. The more changes or additions you make, the longer it takes — so I focused on efficiency and steady progress.

Building the RV-10 was a marathon, not a sprint. My father’s hands-on help was invaluable whenever extra support was needed, and my kids would pitch in when I needed an extra pair of hands. My wife played a crucial role — offering emotional support, taking care of other responsibilities while I worked in the hangar, and occasionally helping directly with the build. Without her steady presence and encouragement, the project would have been far more challenging.

A key to success was making progress every day. Even just an hour spent researching, prepping parts, or setting a few rivets added up over time. Small, consistent steps transformed what could have been an overwhelming task into an achievable, even enjoyable, journey.

For the engine, I installed a Lycoming IO-540 from a Piper Comanche. Installing a used engine, along with tackling the painting ourselves, helped keep costs down. My friend Mark, an experienced auto-body technician, guided the prep and painting process. We set up tarps in the hangar, added an exhaust fan, and created a makeshift paint booth. The interior came from South Florida Sport Aviation, giving the cabin a professional, polished finish without the need for expensive custom work.

Completing the RV-10 in August 2024 was profoundly satisfying. In the first year of flying, I logged just over 100 hours, each flight a reminder of the time, effort, and teamwork invested. One of the most memorable milestones came in 2025 when I flew my RV-10 to Oshkosh for the first time, accompanied by my father and my 12-year-old son. AirVenture is a special place for builders — the community understands the trials, sacrifices, and dedication behind every aircraft. But the true reward was sharing the experience with my family, passing on the joy of flight and celebrating our accomplishment together.

Looking forward, I’m most excited about the adventures ahead — sharing this aircraft with family and friends, exploring new destinations, and creating lasting memories in the sky. The RV-10 represents more than an airplane; it embodies perseverance, careful planning, and the irreplaceable value of family support. Every flight is a reminder of the journey, the lessons learned, and the people who made it possible.

Attention — Aircraft Builders and Restorers

We would love to share your story with your fellow EAA members in the pages of EAA Sport Aviation magazine, even if it’s a project that’s been completed for a while. Readers consistently rate the “What Our Members are Building/Restoring” section of the magazine as one of their favorites, so don’t miss the chance to show off your handiwork and inspire your peers to start or complete projects of their own. Learn more ->