RC airplane builds, flying stories, interviews, tips, and practical lessons from the hobby.
Episode 44 · Originally released November 21, 2020 · Hosts: Ron and Tom The hosts discuss preparing for winter flying and continue documenting progress on their twin-engine Pica Duellist builds. In this episode Chapter list Episode topics Key takeaways Complete transcript Chapters 00:38 — The sixteen-second editing mishap 10:32 — Cold-weather flying considerations 21:05 — … Read more
Episode 43 · Originally released November 14, 2020 · Hosts: Ron and Tom Ron and Tom explain a systematic approach to trimming a new RC airplane so it flies predictably and efficiently. In this episode Chapter list Episode topics Key takeaways Complete transcript Chapters 00:38 — Shop updates and listener reminders 08:53 — What flight … Read more
Episode 42 · Originally released November 7, 2020 · Hosts: Ron and Tom Ron and Tom share Pica Duellist progress and introduce the tools, materials, and methods used in traditional balsa construction. In this episode Chapter list Episode topics Key takeaways Complete transcript Chapters 00:38 — Halloween recap and workshop conversation 13:07 — The latest … Read more
Episode 41 · Originally released October 31, 2020 · Hosts: Ron and Tom Ron and Tom trade frightening, funny, and cautionary RC airplane stories in this Halloween special. In this episode Chapter list Episode topics Key takeaways Complete transcript Chapters 00:38 — Halloween opening and an unusual studio audience 09:52 — The first frightening RC … Read more
Ron and Tom discuss the ins and outs of scratch building, answer listener questions, and try to figure out what makes an airplane big.
Tom turned 50 this week! Let’s all wish him a happy 50th! There are a few things you can do to become a better pilot. Tom talks about some of the things he does to improve his skills, and we read some listener mail.
Ron and Tom take a deep dive into air screws, also known as propellers! This will hopefully answer any questions you have ever had about those spinning things on your airplane that make it move. Settle in, this is a long one!
Introducing the RC Plane Lab Forums! Head over to https://forums.rcplanelab.com, sign up, and start posting! The guys talk about the book “Stick and Rudder: An Explanation of the Art of Flying”, which is a book that Ron read when he was learning how to fly. They also discuss how to bend landing gear wire, and … Read more
Episode 37’s tool of the week is blue threadlocker. It’s removable, but holds screws tight so they don’t vibrate loose during flight! A link to the book Ron and Tom talked about in this episode is below. It does a great job of explaining how airplanes fly and gives a basic understanding of what to … Read more