Skybound RC

Matt Takhar joins the Skybound RC Podcast to share how he returned to RC after a long break, unexpectedly built one of the hobby’s largest YouTube channels, and is now taking another leap as PAU’s UK distributor.

We discuss the viral clip that transformed his channel, the pressure of sponsorships and analytics, maintaining honest product reviews, and the challenge of keeping RC enjoyable when it starts becoming a business. Matt also introduces PAU team pilots Rory and Flying Finn RC, explains why he chose them, and shares his ambitions for PAU, IMAC and growing the hobby in the UK.

Follow Matt Takhar RC:  
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MattTakharRC
Website and PAU UK: https://matttakharrc.uk

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CHAPTERS  
00:00 Introduction  
00:33 Meet Matt Takhar  
00:39 Matt’s beginnings in RC  
05:14 Starting Matt Takhar RC  
08:09 The video that reached 20 million views  
10:22 YouTube analytics and keeping RC enjoyable  
13:41 Honest reviews and explaining technical subjects  
16:06 Sponsorships and turning a hobby into work  
19:18 Becoming PAU’s UK distributor  
23:08 The new era of PAU  
28:12 Rory and Flying Finn RC  
32:45 PAU’s future aircraft  
38:01 Bringing younger people into RC  
47:31 Matt’s plans for the business  
50:52 Taking on IMAC competition  

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Music track: Inspiring People by Aylex
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Matt Stringer joins the Skybound RC Podcast to talk about his journey from flying foamies to competing in the Invitational class at the Tucson Aerobatic Shootout.

Matt is an Extreme Flight team pilot, the man behind RCTV, and the designer of several recognizable RC aircraft color schemes. In this conversation, we cover his rapid progression through IMAC, preparing for the Shootout, aircraft setup and trimming, coaching other pilots, the story behind RCTV, developing his own foamies, designing schemes for Extreme Flight, and the upcoming Lake Casitas Huckfest.

If you enjoy in-depth conversations with the pilots, designers, and personalities shaping RC aviation, subscribe to Skybound RC for more.

Follow Matt and RCTV:

Website: https://rctvpilots.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.stringer.351
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rctvpilot/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RCTVPilots
Giant Mako Jet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBpMNlMjLT8

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Music track: Inspiring People by Aylex
Source: https://freetouse.com/music
No Copyright Music for Videos (Free)

Jase Dussia returns to Skybound RC for his third appearance on the podcast.

Over the years, Jase has built a reputation as one of the top aerobatic pilots in the hobby, but since our last conversation, he's taken on an entirely new challenge: launching his own aircraft company, Apex Aerotech.

In this episode, we dive into the journey from sponsored pilot to business owner, what it takes to design and manufacture RC airplanes, the challenges of building a new brand, and the philosophy behind the growing Apex lineup.

Whether you're interested in RC aerobatics, aircraft design, or the business side of the hobby, this conversation offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the fastest-growing brands in RC aviation.

00:00 Introduction
00:43 Apex Aerotech Today
01:58 From Team Pilot to Company Owner
04:29 Lessons from JTA Innovations
07:20 Life as an RC Company Owner
10:27 The Birth of Apex Aerotech
13:16 Biggest Surprises So Far
15:06 Tariffs, Shipping & Industry Challenges
16:24 How New Airplanes Are Developed
20:57 The Challenge of Prototype Development
23:08 Apex Design Philosophy
26:25 Designing for Beginners and Experts
29:40 Why a 60" Slick?
33:39 The 102" Slick
34:49 The New 82" Laser
41:13 Inside the 116" Laser
45:11 What Makes the 116" Laser Different?
48:49 DA-180 vs DA-200
51:23 Can the 116" Laser Compete in IMAC?
54:35 Customer Experience, Manuals & Support
58:00 Tucson Aerobatic Shootout 2026
01:00:26 Flying With More Pressure as an Owner
01:04:09 The Future of Apex Aerotech
01:06:21 Closing Thoughts

Connect with Apex Aerotech:
https://apexaerotech.com

#RCAirplanes #ApexAerotech #JaseDussia #Aerobatics #RCFlying #IMAC #3DFlight #SkyboundRC

Bryan Hebert is the owner of CK Aero, long-time F3A competitor, aircraft designer, and one of the most respected authorities in RC aerobatics when it comes to airplane setup and trimming.

In this conversation, we discuss Bryan's journey into Pattern flying, his experience designing competition aircraft, the evolution of modern F3A, and the differences between monoplanes, biplanes, glow, electric, and contra-drive power systems.

We also spend considerable time discussing trimming philosophy, how top competitors approach airplane setup, common mistakes pilots make, and why a properly trimmed airplane can have such a significant impact on performance.

Whether you fly Pattern, IMAC, freestyle, or simply enjoy learning more about aircraft design, there is a wealth of knowledge packed into this discussion.

00:00 Introduction
01:52 How Bryan Got Started in Pattern Flying
04:33 Is F3A Growing or Declining?
14:05 How to Get Started in Pattern Flying
24:24 Designing Competition Aircraft
38:34 Does Equipment Win Championships?
43:18 Glow vs Electric vs Contra Drives
49:17 Monoplane vs Biplane
55:27 Bryan's Trimming Philosophy
01:01:59 Can F3A Trimming Methods Be Applied to IMAC?
01:11:28 The Truth About Zero-Gravity Trim
01:17:53 Why Top Pilots Obsess Over Snap Rolls
01:20:29 Inside CK Aero


Learn more about CK Aero:
https://www.ckaero.net
https://www.facebook.com/HebertCompetitionDesigns

#RCFlying #F3A #PatternFlying #CKAero #BryanHebert #IMAC #RCAerobatics #ModelAircraft

Kevin Garland has been involved in RC aviation for more than 30 years and currently serves as IMAC President, Futaba Team Manager, and Contest Director for both the IMAC Nationals and the Tucson Aerobatic Shootout.

In this episode we discuss the future of IMAC, the challenges facing competitive aerobatics, Electric IMAC, participation trends, IMAC Worlds, the upcoming Nationals in Muncie, and what it takes to keep premier events such as the Tucson Aerobatic Shootout thriving.

We also dive into freestyle judging, sponsorships, team pilots, full-scale aviation, drones, and advice for pilots looking to improve their precision flying skills.

Kevin's Facebook:   / kevin.s.garland 
IMAC: https://flyimac.org
Tucson Aerobatic Shootout: http://www.tucsonaerobaticshootout.com

00:00: Intro
04:08: IMAC President work
05:15: E-IMAC
08:08: Challenges IMAC faces
12:20: IMAC Worlds
15:41: Why should people try IMAC?
18:05: IMAC NATS
20:42: Advices for people trying to improve their skills
30:05: Tucson Aerobatic Shootout
42:53: Judging Freestyle
52:03: Future of the Tucson Aerobatic Shootout
52:50: Futaba Team Manager
56:53: Sponsorships
59:13: RC impact on career
1:06:33: Family involvement in aviation
1:10:13: Extreme Flight Extra 260

A few days ago I shared a clip of Chris Randall's giant AeroScout and lots of people wanted to know how it was built, so I invited Chris on for a quick conversation about the project. Thanks Chris for joining me!

In this interview we discuss:
• How the idea started at his local RC club
• Scaling a Horizon Hobby AeroScout up to 14-foot wingspan
• Building the airplane from Home Depot insulation foam
• Hot-wire cutting giant wings and tail surfaces
• Electronics, servos, motor, batteries, and landing gear choices

The result is a unique giant AeroScout with a 14-foot wingspan built almost entirely from foam.

Chris has also documented the build on RC Group: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?4786833-Giant-Aeroscout

Today on Skybound RC, I'm chatting with Kobe Cantin, an aerobatic pilot who's been in the RC game since 2012, and has worn just about every hat. Competitor, announcer, content creator, event organizer, and sponsor pilot. We get into his early days at Joe Nall, how IMAC shaped his flying, and why he eventually traded the flightline for the microphone. He also breaks down his RealFlight Freestyle Competition, why foamies and simulators are still the best training tools nobody uses enough, and his mission to bring indoor events like E-Fest back from the dead. If you've been around the RC scene, you've probably heard his voice. Now it's time to hear his story.

Kobe’s Youtube channel (FloRC): https://www.youtube.com/@florc9589

Kobe’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kobe.cantin

Kobe’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kobe.cantin/

Today I’m chatting with Santiago Pérez, one of the top RC aerobatic pilots in the world. Known for his low, aggressive 3D and razor-sharp precision, Santi flies as a team pilot for Extreme Flight and is a regular at world-class events like the Tucson Aerobatic Shootout.

Beyond competition, he plays a key role in testing and refining Extreme Flight’s latest airframes—like the new Extra 300 series and the massive 120" Extra 260.

In this episode, we dive into his approach to freestyle and IMAC, setup philosophy, model differences, and even his recent move into 3D jets. Whether you're into competition or just want to level up your flying, this one’s packed with insight.

Santiago's FB: https://www.facebook.com/santiago.perez.9256

🎵 Music: Inspiring People by Aylex
🎧 Source: https://freetouse.com/music
(No Copyright Music – Free for YouTube Videos)

Daniel Holman is one of the most respected names in RC aerobatics. In the early 2010s, his freestyle routines blended musicality, precision, and smooth, high-speed lines—helping push the sport into a new era of extreme aerobatics. As a long-time team pilot for Extreme Flight, Daniel became known for his graceful yet aggressive flying style and for pushing aircraft to their limits in top-tier competitions.

After a decade-long break from RC, Daniel is back—flying again from his home in Alaska, where he now works as a commercial pilot. From flying King Airs across remote villages to landing his personal Cessna 180 on gravel bars in the middle of nowhere, his day job takes aviation to the edge of what’s possible.

In this episode, Daniel shares stories from both worlds—RC and full-scale—including insights on freestyle design, lessons from flying in extreme conditions, and what it’s like to rediscover the hobby after years away.

Whether you're into 3D, precision flying, or full-scale bush aviation, this one’s a must-listen.

👉 Daniel's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007248378096

🎵 Music: Inspiring People by Aylex
🎧 Source: https://freetouse.com/music
(No Copyright Music – Free for YouTube Videos)

Join me as I sit down with Antonio De Souza, one of RC aerobatics' most talented pilots. Originally from Brazil and now based in Atlanta, Antonio brings a unique perspective and flying style that combines European precision with modern 3D techniques.
In this interview, Antonio shares his journey from flying at just 4 years old to becoming an Extreme Flight test pilot and Customer Service Manager. We discuss his competition experiences at the XFC, TOC Invitational, and Tucson Aerobatic Freestyle, plus dive deep into his equipment setup, training approach, and what makes his flying style so distinctive.
Topics covered:

- Antonio's RC journey from Brazil to the USA
- His role at Extreme Flight as both team pilot and staff member
- Detailed equipment setup preferences (servos, engines, props, and radio)
- The differences between various XA airframes
- His training philosophy and advice for improving your flying
- Experiences at the recent Tucson Aerobatic Freestyle competition
- Upcoming projects and events for 2025

Whether you're looking to improve your own flying or simply appreciate watching world-class aerobatics, Antonio's insights are invaluable for any RC enthusiast.

Antonio's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antonio.desouza.71
Extreme Flight Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1483262701885613
Extreme Flight: https://extremeflightrc.com/

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Music track: Inspiring People by Aylex
Source: https://freetouse.com/music
No Copyright Music for Videos (Free)