Skybound RC

If you’ve been into RC aerobatics for a long time you’re probably familiar with DownOnTheDeck.com (not around anymore) and the man behind it, Joe Hunt.

Back in 2005 when I was starting in RC aerobatics, DownOnTheDeck was one of the go to places to find information about 3D flying and giant scale aerobatics. Joe Hunt not only posted videos of his own proficient 3D flying, after all, he’s a very skilled pilot with experience in competitions like the Xtreme Flight Championships, but also shared videos of the Tournament of Champions, wrote up detailed builds and product reviews and created tutorials about how to properly setup throttle servo linkages or multi servo setups in airplane wings. SkyboundRC is in big part inspired by Joe’s work.

In our chat, we talk about Joe’s journey with DownOnTheDeck and his obsession to detail when setting up a new airplane. Pay attention, because we cover many important aspects that can make all the difference when putting together your next plane. We also chat about his personal journey to learn rifle rolls at the age of 64 and his own Youtube channel, Joe Hunt RC, where he still posts setup tips and tricks and shares his RC adventures.

Joe's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UC9Z7p3c9Z0h_pjV0JcJM6Ug 
Follow Joe in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joehuntrc



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FrSky is a manufacturer of radio control transmitters, receivers and electronics that became very popular years ago among the FPV drone community, and during the past couple of years has been taking over a larger percentage of the airplane market worldwide. 

Today I’m talking to Steve Schlesinger, more commonly known as FrSky Steve. He’s the fixed wing segment manager for FrSky and one of the most prominent faces for the company in the US. In our chat, Steve give us some juicy details about the just announced X20RS transmitter. He also explains how the Tandem protocol works, why it could save your plane and how you should position your antennas and perform range checks to maximize the reliability of your transmissions. We also chat about the latest firmware updates the company has been working on and what’s next for the company.

Find Steve in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082161875168
Steve Youtube channels: https://www.youtube.com/@steveschlesinger3459
Official FrSky Ethos Group in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/324132953138607
Frsky: https://www.frsky-rc.com/


Timeline:
00:00: Intro
02:29: Brief story of FrSky
07:22: New transmitter: X20RS
20:05: FrSky Tandem protocol. What is it and why is it important?
26:54: FrSky Tandem vs Jeti 900MHz.
34:50: Optimal placement for RX antennas
37:35: Range checks
39:28: Quality and pricing mindset
50:22: Learning curve when switching brands
1:01:59: ETHOS and firmware updates
1:10:41: What's ahead for FrSky?


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Join us as we soar with Andres Leoni, a true pioneer pushing the boundaries of RC flight. From precision aerobatics to groundbreaking 4D maneuvers and top of the line jets, Andres's journey is one of relentless innovation and passion. 

In our chat, Andres takes us on a journey through his RC evolution - from precision and freestyle aerobatics to elite-level competition in F3A and F3P. We'll dive into his fascination with 4D flying and how he's pushing the envelope with cutting-edge aircraft. We also discuss his work at Hispano Aviation, and talk about how the Spanish team is designing and manufacturing next level jets to bring modelers the best possible flying experience.

Andres Leoni at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andres.leoni.9
Hispano Aviacion at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050989912785
Hispano Aviacion https://haviacion.com/en/home-english/
Andres flying the Infinity 4D: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kfkz-dCyEtk
T-Motor 4D Combo: https://store.tmotor.com/product/bpp-4d-pro-combo-set.html

Timeline:
00:00: Intro
11:08: Competing in F3A and F3P.
14:40: What is 4D Flying?
23:35: Developing large 4D models
39:46: Hispano Aviacion Jets
54:30: Pursuing highest quality on Hispano jets
58:25: Designing models for best flying performance
1:03:20: Developing UAVs
1:06:38: Future of Hispano Aviacion
1:09:25: RC Companies in Spain

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Today, we have a true legend in the world of RC aerobatics joining us: Andrew Jesky. From his humble beginnings flying at the age of 7 to becoming a household name in the RC community, Andrew has soared to remarkable heights of success.

As a multiple-time US F3A National Champion, Team F3A World Champion, and Tucson Aerobatic Shootout Champion, Andrew's trophy shelf speaks volumes about his mastery of the skies. And let's not forget his impressive 2nd place finish in the F3A World Championships in Australia just last year – a testament to his skill and dedication.

But Andrew's contributions don't stop there. Alongside his family, he runs AJ Aircraft, crafting high-quality RC planes that have earned a dedicated following within the RC community. Beyond his accomplishments, Andrew is renowned for his generosity, always eager to share his wealth of knowledge with fellow enthusiasts.

In today's conversation, we delve into Andrew's recent experience at the 2023 F3A World Championships, uncovering the secrets behind his training regimen and the meticulous setup of his aircraft. Plus, we get an exclusive peek into the latest innovations from AJ Aircraft and what's on the horizon for the company.

https://www.facebook.com/andrew.jesky
https://www.aj-aircraft.com/

Timeline:
00:00: Intro
02:18: Beginnings in RC
08:30: Pattern aerobatics
9:35: F3A World Championships
12:00: Training approach
18:20: Semi-finals
20:30: 2023 Worlds in Australia
29:32: Plane and equipment used in Australia
34:42: F3A Equipment trends
50:23: F3A radio setup
53:42: AJ Aircraft
1:00:01: Hidden challenges when running an RC company
1:07:08: New projects in the pipeline
1:15:40: Plans for 2024
1:18:00: Parting advice

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After the Tournament Of Championships came to and end in 2002, the Tucson Aerobatic Shootout became one of most important RC aerobatic competitions in the world, with the best pilots gathering to compete in IMAC and freestyle.

Today, I’m talking to Bryant Mack, 2 time Invitational champion as well multiple freestyle podium finisher. In our chat, we do a deep dive on precision aerobatics and IMAC and Bryant talks about his journey to the top of the aerobatic scene. He shares his process to setup and adjust a competition winning IMAC airplane, and gives us a glimpse on his training mindset.

Follow Bryant at   / bryant.mack 
Tucson Aerobatic Shootout: http://www.tucsonaerobaticshootout.com/

Contents:
00:00: Intro
04:36: Pattern vs IMAC
06:45: Flying IMAC unknowns.
11:30: Tucson Aerobatic Shootout
13:48: Training for major competitions
18:12: Judging different flying styles
20:19: IMAC airframes
26:30: Setup and trimming process
34:30: Flight modes
39:50: Snap rolls
47:07: Advanced vs Unlimited vs Invitational pilot skills
51:02: Flying IMAC and Freestyle back to back
1:04:00: Japan RC Pageant trip
1:06:38: 2024 plans
1:09:50: Advice for pilots wanting to get into/progress in IMAC

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Today, I'm thrilled to be in conversation with none other than Nico Gastaldi, one of the best thrust vector aerobatic jet pilots worldwide. Coming to us from France, Nico brings his wealth of experience with hundreds of thrust vector flights on J-10, Mephisto, and Ares, offering us a masterclass in the intricate world of thrust vectoring aerobatics.

Join us as Nico walks us through his process for gear selection, assembly, radio setup, trimming, center of gravity adjustment, and gyro tuning – all essential elements for achieving max performance in turbine jets.

But that's not all; Nico opens up about his latest ventures with PAU and RCGadgetz. We not only delve into their just-announced Pulse sport jet but also get some initial details into a future thrust vector jet currently in development by Nico and the PAU team, anticipated for release later this year.

Follow Nico in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nico.gastaldi.7

RcGadgetz: https://rcgadgetz.com/
PAU USA: https://flypauusa.com/

Contents:
00:00: Intro and getting started in RC
07:26: Transitioning to 3D flying with jets
09:45: How to properly setup a thrust vector jet for aerobatics and 3D. 
10:50: Assembly and component selection
15:45: Center of gravity
20:13: Trimming process
24:00: Endpoints, exponential, rates
30:17: Gyro tuning
50:55: Thrust vector always on?
54:24: Max deflections on surfaces and thrust vector
59:35: Freestyle with jets
1:06:28: Working with RCGadgetz, PAU Pulse jet and new delta wing thrust vector jet
1:12:45: Flying and coaching in India and where people struggle with jets

On today’s episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with the mastermind behind The Lighter Side of RC, Jonathan Vogt. With an impressive 41,000 subscribers and counting, his Youtube channel takes us through the build process of some of the most amazing turbine jets you can find.

In our chat, we delve into the inception of Jonathan’s channel and discuss the challenges behind his videos. We also revisit his radio showdown test video that cought everyones attention, sparking discussions about radio brands within the RC community. And, of course, he talks about his many ongoing projects and spills the beans on some insider tips and tricks accumulated through countless turbine model builds and the setup of his professional RC workshop.

Check out Jonathan's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCz1KUoUoIlV...
You can also find him in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelightersi...
Website: https://www.thelightersideofrc.com/
RC Air Experience podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UC2CqOgMp7en...
Radio showdown video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Largn...

Contents:
00:00: Intro and getting started in RC
06:17: Progression of the youtube channel
10:20: Building jets for customers
19:30: Controversial Radio test showdown video
28:35: Efficiency tips and tricks when building rc planes
33:03: Tools
37:58: Go-to gear for jets
42:12: Preferences on setting up Jeti rx systems
45:13: Common challenges in setting up turbine jets
49:10: Strengths and weaknesses on different manufacturers
54:05: Important practices when putting together a new plane
58:48: Fuel systems
1:02:05: Hardest builds
1:04:11: Jonathan's Projects and future plans

I had a chat with Jase Dussia about what he's been up to lately. Jase recounts his experience at the Del Norte Fly Fest in Mexico and talks about the latest releases from Flex Innovations: the 70cc CAP232EX and the new Foam Profile (FP) line of aircraft.

Sorry for my red nose and crappy voice. I have been sick, but starting to feel better now. 

Connect with Jase in Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jase.dussia
and Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JaseDussia

Del Norte Fly Fest: https://www.facebook.com/DelNorteFlyFest
Flex Innovations: https://www.facebook.com/flexinnovationsrc
Flex Edge 540 FP: https://www.flexinnovations.com/product/edge-540-fp/
Flex Ultimate FP: https://www.flexinnovations.com/product/ultimate-fp/
Flex Cap 232EX 70cc: https://www.facebook.com/flexinnovationsrc/posts/pfbid027h6B5PC4T58JaFJ5t1EjkKZ8t75ufMJ2LssbeL7jJKXQf6z4rEbyxFV7UeYehs5Yl

Lior Zahavi, a lifelong modeler from Israel, has garnered a dedicated following owing to his pilot skills, his technical knowledge and experience and a genuine passion for assisting others in the RC community. Renowned within the turbine jet scene, Lior not only pilots these advanced machines but also pioneers the development of sensors and software for FrSky and Futaba under the Zavionix brand.

In this conversation we cover many different topics, from his switch from Futaba to FrSky, to common mistakes people make when setting up jets plus a deep dive on fuel systems.

Find Lior in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lior.zahavi.1
and Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC_le5BDznHc3bdZa-6BsJug 

Mentioned links:
Frsky: https://www.frsky-rc.com/
Zavionix: https://github.com/i3dm/Zavionix and https://www.facebook.com/Zavionix
CMJets: https://cmjets.com/
Booma AR: https://www.boomarc.com/en/

Timeline:
00:00: Intro
03:30: Getting started with rc jets
06:13: Changes in rc and jet technology over time
13:16: Typical mistakes people make when building a jet
23:29: Jet fuel systems
32:35: FrSky
45:19: Zavionix
55:48: Lior's airplanes
59:12: Typical setup for a jet
1:05:02: Team Jet Israel
1:08:24: Plans for 2024

Gernot Bruckmann is a legend in the world of RC aviation. Growing up in Austria with parents deeply involved in aero-modeling, he naturally embraced the hobby. Fast forward, and for the past 15 years, he's been a standout in European aerobatic competitions.

His expertise shines in IMAC, F3A, F3P, gliders, and jets. This year alone, he secured his fifth F3P World Championship title and achieved an impressive 4th place in the F3A World Championships. Not just a pilot, Gernot is also renowned for designing planes under his own brand, Bruckmamn Modelbau, and collaborating with industry leaders like Krill Models.

Find Gernot in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gernot.bruckmann.54
Bruckmann Modellbau: https://www.modellbau-bruckmann.at
2023 F3A World Championship: https://www.fai.org/world-cups/f3a-radio-control-aerobatics
2023 F3P World Championship: https://f3plithuania.eu/
EFXC: https://www.exfc.eu/

Timeline:
00:00: Intro
03:07: Making a living with RC. 
05:06: Flying unique planes and keeping things fun
07:10: Horky Sukhoi Su-31 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUm6N30V_Vc
08:36: How hard is to make money building and selling rc planes?
11:05: 2023 F3A World Championships
14:11: IMAC and F3A similarities
15:45: Gernot's F3A plane: Pavanora
20:28: Competing in glider aerobatics
23:50: European XFC
29:10: Flying jets and the Ares XL
32:47: F3P World Championships
40:10: Juggling so many different RC competitions
41:58: Avoiding burnout
43:27: Mindset and pressure during competitions
45:40: Go-to planes to fly for fun
46:35: Plans for 2024
48:14: Gernot's wife is also a great pilot!

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