RC Airplane Podcast & Community

Your RC Airplane
Journey Starts Here

RC Plane Lab is the podcast, guide, and community for RC airplane enthusiasts of all skill levels — from your very first trainer to giant scale warbirds.

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Welcome to RC Plane Lab

Whether you're trying to figure out what plane to buy first, looking for help choosing the right motor and battery setup, or just want to geek out about RC aviation with people who love it as much as you do — you've found the right place. Ron, Tom, Dave, and the RC Plane Lab crew have been flying, building, and talking about RC airplanes for years, and we're here to help you do the same.

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The Podcast

New episodes every two weeks covering new releases, build projects, interviews, and everything happening in the RC world.

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Beginner Guides

Never flown before? We cover everything — choosing your first plane, understanding batteries, FAA registration, finding a club, and more.

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Build Logs

Follow along as Ron, Tom, Dave, and friends document their builds and repairs from start to finish — mistakes, fixes, and all.

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Now Available

The ElectroStreak
Short Kit Is Here

A classic design brought back to life. Laser-cut parts, detailed plans, and limited supply. Built by the RC Plane Lab community, for the RC Plane Lab community.

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Latest from the Podcast

New episodes drop every two weeks. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Join the Community

RC Plane Lab isn't just a podcast — it's a group of passionate pilots who love sharing the hobby. Come hang out, ask questions, and show off your builds.

Ep 72: TRUST, and a Bunch of Other Stuff

In this light-hearted episode of RC Plane Lab, the guys talk about trips to the field, the new UAS test called TRUST, and go over the FAA’s rules on what it takes to fly legally for recreational purposes in the US. 

We’d also like to give a special shout out and say thanks to a listener of ours, James Guyton, for sending Tom a diesel rc airplane engine. Thanks James!

Ep 71: Syncing Nitro Engines

In this episode of the RC Plane Lab Podcast, Tom talks about how he plans on syncing and tuning the 3 engines to get them ready for the Tri-Motor Project. Ron also gives an update on his balsa order. Here’s a hint, still no balsa! 

Ep 69: Best of Episode: Electric Motors, ESCs

While we’re taking our break, we hope you enjoy a best of RC Plane Lab episode, Electric Motors!

In case you missed it the first time, in this episode of the RC Plane Lab Podcast, Ron and Tom discuss the ins and outs of the rc airplane electric motorelectronic speed controllers (or esc), and how to choose an electric power system for your airplane. Visit us at https://rcplanelab.com/electric-rc-motors/ to get all of the information talked about in the show. 

Ep 68: Best of episode – Batteries!

While we’re taking our break, we hope you enjoy a best of RC Plane Lab episode, Batteries!

In case you missed it the first time, capacity and voltage are the theme of this electrifying episode!  Ron and Tom explain the common types of RC airplane batteries in our hobby.  From vintage Nickel Cadmium to the latest Lithium batteries, we break them down for you so you can decide what to trust your model to.

Ep 67: We’re Taking a Break, and How Many Channels Do You Need?

This is our last new episode before our break. But don’t worry, we’ll be back before you know it!

In this episode, Ron and Tom give an update on the overcharged battery story from a few weeks ago, talk about running 2 of the YS120 engines for the Tri-Motor Project, and discuss how many channels you really need on your transmitter.