Build Update Q1 2025
The Impossible Airplane is transforming from vision to reality! Over the past few months, we’ve made incredible progress on both the aircraft build and its advanced flight systems. From essential high-altitude oxygen solutions to cutting-edge lighting technology, here’s what’s new.
Flying Higher: The Tubo2 Supplemental Oxygen System
One of the biggest challenges of flying at altitude is ensuring a steady oxygen supply. The FAA mandates using supplemental oxygen above 10,000 feet, where thinner air can lead to fatigue and impaired decision-making. Since the RV-10 achieves its best fuel efficiency and cruise speed at 12,000 to 14,000 feet, we needed a system that could support these altitudes safely.
That’s why we’re excited to announce that Aithre has provided their Turbo supplemental oxygen system, which will generate its own oxygen in flight! Unlike traditional bottled oxygen, which depletes over time, this system continuously produces breathable oxygen, keeping the pilot and co-pilot safe and alert. For passengers, we’ll bring a portable unit if needed, ensuring that everyone onboard has access to oxygen when required.
This upgrade is a huge milestone, bringing us closer to the moment when Jessica will take to the skies in the first-ever airplane built to be flown with feet alone.
Lighting the Way: AeroLEDs AeroSun VXi Wingtip Lights
Visibility is everything in aviation, and AeroLEDs has stepped up in a big way by providing their new AeroSun VXi Wingtip Lights with carbon fiber housing. These lights pack an incredible amount of technology into a sleek, lightweight design, including:
✅ Landing lights
✅ Taxi lights
✅ Navigation lights
✅ Anti-collision strobes
✅ Position and ACS lights
✅ Wig-wag capability (which alternates the landing lights for enhanced visibility)
But how bright are they, really? Each side produces an astonishing 150,000 candela—which is the equivalent of 50 high-powered LED car headlights per wingtip! This means greater safety, better visibility for other pilots, and a striking look when The Impossible Airplane takes flight day or night.
Smoother and Quieter: Hartzell Composite Propeller
In the next few weeks, Hartzell Propeller will be shipping their composite three-blade propeller and governor for installation. The aviation community often debates the benefits of three-blade props versus two-blade props, but in the case of the RV-10, the three-blade is known for being quieter, smoother, and providing excellent climb performance.
For a project like The Impossible Airplane—where precision and pilot experience are crucial—this upgrade will make a noticeable difference. Plus, the composite materials reduce weight while maintaining strength, which is a win for efficiency.
Protecting Critical Components: Heat Shield from Heatshield Products
Aviation engines generate extreme temperatures, which can lead to discomfort in the cabin. To combat this, Heatshield Products has provided their Lava Heat Shield to protect the cabin area from excessive heat exposure. Critically, this heat shield will give time to safely land the airplane in the event of an engine fire. This addition will help ensure comfort and safety, especially during long flights across the southwest of the US in the summer.
Major Build Milestone: The Tail Section is Connected!
The best part? The Impossible Airplane is starting to look like an actual airplane!
Recently, Bob Newman and the members of EAA Chapter 898 completed the critical step of fully riveting the tail section to the fuselage. This milestone brings us closer to final assembly, and it’s incredible to see the aircraft take shape. Every rivet, every component, and every new system installed is a testament to the power of persistence, innovation, and community support.
$70,000 to Cross the Finish Line
We’re now in the home stretch, with $70,000 left to raise to complete The Impossible Airplane. These final funds will go toward:
✈️ Final Construction & Systems Integration – Ensuring all components, including the oxygen system, lighting, engine, modifications, and propeller, are installed and tested.
🎨 Painting & Finishing Touches – Giving The Impossible Airplane its signature look before it takes to the skies. Current estimates peg this at $40,000.
🛠️ Final Inspections & Flight Preparations – Meeting all aviation standards and preparing for the maiden flight.
Every dollar donated gets us one step closer to showing the world what’s possible when we remove barriers and believe in the power of human potential.
💙 Can you help us finish strong? Donate today with the button at the top of this page or at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=88N8QFCT4GYKE.
Be Part of Aviation History – Volunteer With Us!
Beyond funding, we need passionate individuals to help bring The Impossible Airplane to the world. Whether you have aviation experience or just want to be part of something groundbreaking, there are plenty of ways to get involved:
🚀 Communications & Outreach – Help spread the word through social media, email campaigns, and donor updates.
🏢 Corporate Sponsor Engagement – Connect with businesses that align with our mission and could help sponsor our final steps.
✈️ Mission-Specific Events – Assist in organizing meet-and-greet events for kids to see Jessica and The Impossible Airplane up close.
🎤 Event Booth Staffing – Join us at airshows and conferences to share the story of The Impossible Airplane with the public.
🕹️ Simulator Construction Assistance – We’re also looking for someone with technical or mechanical skills to help finish building The Impossible Airplane flight simulator!
If you’re interested in volunteering, email us at rightfootedfoundation@gmail.com.
The First Flight Will Be a Moment of Inspiration
This is more than just an airplane. It’s a symbol of breaking barriers, redefining possibility, and proving that disability does not mean inability. Jessica Cox has spent her life proving that mindset is everything—and soon, she’ll take that message to the skies in an aircraft built to be flown with feet alone.
Every person who donates, volunteers, or shares this story is part of that journey. Will you join us?
💙 Donate today: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=88N8QFCT4GYKE
💙 Volunteer: rightfootedfoundation@gmail.com
Together, let’s make The Impossible Airplane fly.
Potos by Jeff Hamilton, EAA 898
