We have a group of very talented members. They fly, instruct, and some have even built their own aircraft. Need a little inspiration or maybe even some ideas for your own build? Our members are happy to share. Ready to be impressed? Here are the stats:
70 - Built or restored airplanes by 43 chapter members
14 - Projects currently under construction, by 14 builders
Click here for a history of past completed projects!
N22NV Restored!
Chris Shearer, June, 2026
After some 3 years of restoration work, Chris Shearer, Darryl Stimson, and Jim Sweeney finally got N22NV, an RV-6A back up and flying on Tuesday 26 May 2026. Jim was the original builder (Chris Shear-er helped with bucking rivets) back in the mid 1990s and Jim first flew it in 1999. Jim lives in the Cleveland area and Darryl lives in Beavercreek.
In about 4-6 weeks the plane should be here at Skypark about 80% of its time. It will be ferried and live between Greene County (KGDK) and Skypark -- The plane has "shared custody" and there are "court ordered visitation rights.”
We still have some squawks to correct including a point on the James Cowling that is melting due to an exhaust pipe that we were not able to insulate sufficiently and finish its required 5 hr. Phase 1 flight testing due to a major alteration before it can leave the KGDK area.
Highlights of the build are:
1) Garmin G3X system, GNX375 Transponder/GPS, GNC 255 Nav/Com, GMA 345 audio panel, 507 Autopilot
2) Aero Sun landing lights
3) Aero Sun LED Strobes and position lights
4) All new wiring
5) Several items that fell in the "while we are here we should repair this"
6) FlyEFII dual electronic ignition with electronic fuel injection
7) Dual EarthX 680 battery system with FlyEFII bus manager and emergency electrical power
8) B&C 50 amp alternator
9) B&C starter
10) James Cowling and Plenum (that turned into MUCH more work than expected)
We have several other items we are wanting to update/repair but they are all secondary to getting it back flying and using the aircraft for several planned trips. If all goes well, the plane will be taking Jim and I to KOSH in 2 months.
There are multiple folks to thank starting with wives - Lisa, Pam, Amy; Technical support - Garmin Tech Support, Robert Paisley at FlyEFII, and numerous Chapter Members including Randy Brooks who air mailed the wiring and controller for the chapter aircraft scales the morning of the first test flight.
Now its on to our Stinson 108-1 and repair of its fuselage after teaching numerous folks to fly and it getting used and abused.
It Flies!
Ron Lutz, April, 2026
After 4 1/2 years of construction (with about a year of motor mount issues, but that is another story), Paul made the first flight of our Rans S20.5 Raven on “Pi day”, March 14,
Many thanks to all those who helped this day come to pass.
Murphy Renegade Progress
Jay Waddell, April 2026
I have been taking advantage of warm but not hot temperatures and low humidity to get painting. This includes everything except the fuselage and landing gear at this point. I’ve picked Federal Green—Poly Tone 208A as basic color as well as Tucson Cream—Poly Tone 125 as an accent to the bottom of the bottom wing as well bottom half of the fuselage. The trailing edge of the rudder will have vertical Blue-White-Red stripes to give that WW1 “Eddie Rickenbacker” look. Along with the 7-cylinder radial, all should look great in combination. The Cabane, uniplane struts and wing fairings will be black. I also have been starting to plan thorough where and how to install items like the oil tank, ELT, Battery for determining W&B, access for maintenance, and coordination with other items and occupant(s). Will likely forgo having a “front seater” and use the well for an addition fuel tank (5 gallons) and storage.
Having a blast and keeping busy in retirement!
Congratulations Lutz Family!
March, 2026
Congratulations to the Lutz' on the completion of their latest project, a Rans S-20. This was the 4th airplane built between Ron and Paul. Ron built a Christavia MK1 and Paul built a RV-6. Together they built a Thatcher CX4 and now the Rans. It took them 4.5 years to complete the airplane. The Rans S-20.5 is a hybrid model that has the steel tube and fabric fuselage of a S-20 but uses the aluminum wings from the S-21 model. They felt this was the perfect combination for this airplane. They powered it with a 118 HP Lycoming O-235 and a Catto propeller.
Welcome - A New Project!
Feb., 2026 Jim MacInnis
I’m building a Sonex Highwing. I started a build log on the EAA builders log website. Just received the tail kit on Jan 23rd, so not much progress yet. Will be building the tail and wings in my basement and fuselage in my garage. Then I’ll be doing final assembly at Skypark. I’m in hangar A-7 currently flying N94400 Cessna 152.
RANS S-20.5 Update
Feb, 2026 Paul Lutz
The airplane is about complete. The engine has been run, weight and balance complete, and hope to have the inspection sometime in February. The weight of the plane came in a little heavy due to 2 mischievous individuals.
Dave and Randy had an idea to add sandbags under the seats. They came to the hangar prior to my dad showing up and we hid the sandbags. When my dad arrived we weighed the plane and seeing the number he was very upset. We let this go on for a while before asking him if all tools or miscellaneous items were removed. He searched and looked under the seats to find about 60 lbs. of sandbags. The look on his face was, as they say, priceless!
N5EB Restoration Complete!
Feb., 2026 Tim Conway
After more than four years of dedicated effort, the restoration of N5EB—a 1967 Piper Twin Comanche (PA-30)—is finally finished. The aircraft is co-owned by EAA Chapter member Tim Conway and Sebastian Barone, an A&P/IA and JetBlue pilot. Together, they performed nearly all of the restoration work.
The completed aircraft now features:
• A brand-new interior from AirTex
• A modern all-Garmin glass flight deck including five GI-275 displays
• GPS 175 navigator
• GNC 255 Nav/Com
• Repurposed GNS 430
• GFC 500 digital autopilot system Guardian Avionics – iPad Mini mount – running Garmin Pilot
The exterior paint was professionally applied by Dial Eastern States Aircraft Painting, Inc., based at Harrison County Airport (8G6). As with any aircraft restoration, there are always additional refinements to consider, but we are excited to enjoy a great spring and summer of flying in this beautifully renewed Twin Comanche.
Progress from 846 South!
Progress on the Murphy Renegade continues. I have completed the empennage and control surfaces and wing interplane struts through the fabric covering and ultra-violet paint. I am currently working on covering the wings and hope to get to the spray-painting phase byThanksgiving. I received my powerplant—Rotec 2800, a 7-cylinder110HP radial from Australia-via a stop at Oshkosh where it was displayed during the show. I’m expecting to receive the mount by the end of November so I can step right into installation on the fuselage and working on FWF and other infrastructure before fabric work.
My overall plan is to complete everything in time to meet up at your fall 2026 fly-out to Triple Tree! Speaking of which—I remain envious that I miss all the trips 846 are making—good for you! You can follow my progress on the link provided in the “What chapter members are building”chart below.
Congratulations Matt and Josh Tomsheck!
Oct., 2025
The Chapter 846 Homebuilder Award was presented to Matt and Josh Tomsheck at the September Gathering.Their Just Highlander received its Airworthiness Certificate June 11, 2025 and had its first flight, June 29, 2025.Congratulations, Matt and Josh!
Congratulations Warwins!
July, 2025
Congratulations to Builders-Barry & Valerie Wawrin! On June 10, 2025, N418BV, their Vans RV-6-14A received its Airworthiness Certificate.
Mike Guenthner, RV-8
July, 2025
I’m still chipping away at the fuel tanks—there’s no shortage of tasks to knock out before it’s time to break out the tank sealant and dive into that glorious mess. But progress is happening, one step at a time!
June turned out to be my best build month yet, with just over 40 hours logged—wish every month could be that productive! That extra momentum has brought me within about a week of final assembly on the left tank, with the right tank close behind. There’s still plenty of prep work ahead, but the long summer days and mostly comfortable temps have been a big boost. Apparently I'm now known as the crazy guy building an airplane in his garage according to a few random people who have stopped by to ask about the project in the past few weeks! For anyone who's tackled a set of Van’s fuel tanks before—I’m all ears. There’s a mountain of opinions out there about best practices, and I’d love to hear what worked for you.
Two Projects Completed!
May/June 2025
Three of our members, Fred Wellman and Josh and Matt Tomsheck, completed their projects in quick succession. Fred received the Air Worthiness Certificate for his Zenith 750 Cruzer in May, followed by the Tomsheck's receiving their certificate for their Just Highlander in June. Congratulations to all!
It's Alive!
May, 2025, Randy Brooks
After waiting for the perfect weather day and coordinating schedules of my ‘ground crew’ (Dave M and Paul L), it all came together on Sunday, 19 May. It was a perfectly clear, calm morning—just right for a first flight. The plane flew perfectly— all I could ask for. Straight, responsive and smooth.
I’m doing the Task Based EAA Flight Test Program for the Phase 1 testing. As of today, I’m finished with task card #8 (out of 18) and have about 9 hours flight time on the airplane. A huge shout-out to Dave Manning for his invaluable assistance and expertise during the build; Matt Tomsheck for his guidance and knowledge during the Airworthiness application process and the actual inspection; Gary Baker for the Tech Counselor visits; and to all the Chapter members who looked over the airplane during the build and prior to the first flight.
This has been a dream of mine since my Dad and I first bought plans for the EAA Biplane when I was in junior high school. We never built it, but it was always my goal to someday build my own airplane. The RANS certainly fits my definition of the perfect all-around airplane—I can’t wait to enjoy flying it now!
Zenith 750 - Update
By Bernie & Aaron May
We are currently working on the panel.
A New Bearhawk LSA!
By Jeremy Cowgar
Today we started our Bearhawk LSA build. We completed the two landing struts. Next up is mounting brakes on the landing gear legs. The current goal is to get the fuselage on it's gear.
Project Update: Skybolt
Paul Hancheck
The Skybolt is progressing slowly. The seats have been welded in and tried out! I am soon to start on the landing gear.
Changing Projects!
Brad Wurst
Selling the Preceptor Ultra Pup project (no longer fits mission) and recently purchased this Wittman Buttercup project.
Earl Luce & Brad Wurst with Wittman Buttercup project
A New Project- SubSonex JSX2!
Joe Stefanini is now working on a SubSonex JSX2! This is the single-seat jet that John Monnett at Sonex Aircraft designed in 2011. Joe is working on it in his hangar at Akron Fulton Airport.
And here are some of our member’s current aircraft building projects from the EAA Builders Log website.
