RC Plane Lab

Have you ever tried to remember what parts and pieces you need to fly one of your planes, but couldn't? Ron has. And he wants to know how to keep everything separate and organized. Tune in to hear some of the things Tom does to keep everything straight.    But before they get to that, the guys talk about flying with SAFE, Ron's new airplane, and control horns. Tom also talks about an expensive mis...

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!    Take a moment to fill out...

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!    ********************   Please take a moment to fill out our listener survey: https://rcplanelab.com/listener-survey/   We want you to be our guest! Fill out the form:...

We're back from our little break, and have a couple things to talk about. Tom tells us about some new rc gear he bought, and Ron tells us about trying to buy balsa.    They also cover diesel rc airplane engines, go over some feedback, and answer some questions.    Please take a moment to fill out our listener survey: https://rcplanelab.com/listener-survey/   We want you to be our guest! Fill out t...

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 motor ,  electronic speed controllers  (or  esc ), and  how to choose an electric power system for your airplane . Visit us at  https://rcplanelab.com/...

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 m...

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.    We want you to be our guest! Fill out the form: https://rcplan...

In this episode of RC Plane Lab, Ron and Tom talk about setting up retractable landing gear.  We want you to be our guest! Fill out the form:  https://rcplanelab.com/guest Support us by becoming a Patron! https://rcplanelab.com/patreon​​​ Questions, comments?  Email: Ron@rcplanelab.com Tom@rcplanelab.com Text or leave a voicemail: (818) 351-9846 Website: https://rcplanelab.com​​​ Forum: https://fo...

We want you to be our guest! Fill out the form: https://rcplanelab.com/guest   Support us by becoming a Patron! https://rcplanelab.com/patreon​​​   Questions, comments? Email: Ron@rcplanelab.com Tom@rcplanelab.com   Text or leave a voicemail: (818) 351-9846   Website: https://rcplanelab.com​​​   Forum: https://forums.rcplanelab.com​​​

In this episode of RC Plane Lab, Ron and Tom talk about Starlink and answer listener questions.  We want you to be our guest! Fill out the form:  https://rcplanelab.com/guest Support us by becoming a Patron! https://rcplanelab.com/patreon​​​ Questions, comments?  Email: Ron@rcplanelab.com Tom@rcplanelab.com Text or leave a voicemail: (818) 351-9846 Website: https://rcplanelab.com​​​ Forum: https:/...

In this episode, Ron and Tom talk about cutting and installing canopies on your radio controlled airplane, and they also discuss the ever important question of whether or not to put a pilot in your airplane!   Please help us by taking our new listener survey:   https://rcplanelab.com/listener-survey   Support us by becoming a Patron!   https://rcplanelab.com/patreon​​​   Questions, comments? Reach...

Servos are important in RC Airplanes, but if they're not set up right they can cause crashes and headaches! Ron and Tom talk about the 6 rules Tom uses for setting up servos, and they talk about all the different ways to hook up a servo to your control surface.   Tool of the week! Z-Bend Pliers. Get yours on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qRzqtm   Support us by becoming a Patron! https://rcplanelab.com/...

Ever wondered what a servo is, or what it does?   Servos come in all shapes and sizes, and it can be difficult to know what's what. There are a lot of differences in servos, and Ron and Tom explain what they are. From metal gears to plastic gears, micro servos to standard size servos, analog to digital, there's a lot to know about the servo that goes in your airplane!   This week's tool of the wee...

In this episode of RC Plane Lab, Ron and Tom talk about balancing propellers, what tools to use, and the different ways to do it!   This week's tool of the week: the Dubro Tru-Spin Prop Balancer Get it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3rhzC6k   Want to win a FlySky FS-I6?! Enter today! Visit our website: https://rcplanelab.com/giveaway/   Support us by becoming a Patron! https://rcplanelab.com/patreon  ...

Hinges! They're one of the most important parts of your airplane, yet they're often overlooked. Tune in as Ron and Tom talk about the different types of hinges, and discuss the pros and cons of each one.   Want to win a FlySky FS-I6?! Enter today! Visit our website:   https://rcplanelab.com/giveaway/   Support us by becoming a Patron!   https://rcplanelab.com/patreon   Questions, comments? Reach o...

In this episode of RC Plane Lab, Ron and Tom talk about the different glues and where to use them, homemade tools, and answer some more listener questions.   Want to win a FlySky FS-I6?! Enter today! Visit our website:   https://rcplanelab.com/giveaway/   Support us by becoming a Patron!   https://rcplanelab.com/patreon   Questions, comments? Reach out to us!   Email:   Ron@rcplanelab.com   Tom@rc...

Ron is getting Starlink! Ron and Tom discuss why that's a good thing for RC Plane Lab.   They also discuss airplane sizes and answer some listener questions.   Want to win a FlySky FS-I6?! Enter today! Visit our website at https://rcplanelab.com/giveaway/   Support us by becoming a Patron! https://rcplanelab.com/patreon   Questions, comments? Reach out to us!   Email:   Ron@rcplanelab.com   Tom@rc...

In this episode of RC Plane Lab, the guys officially launch the FlySky transmitter giveaway! They talk about some updates about their RC Tri-Motor project, and then get into talking about the full size Ford Tri-Motor that inspired their build.   Want to win a FlySky FS-I6?! Enter now! Visit our website at https://rcplanelab.com/giveaway/   Support us by becoming a Patron! https://rcplanelab.com/pa...

It happens to all of us from time to time. Sometimes when you fly, you crash. But, how do you know if it's a total loss, or if it can be rebuilt? Tune in to see what Ron and Tom have to say on the subject.   Also on this show, Ron and Tom settle a bet on who's Duellist was faster during their maiden flights. You may be surprised by the numbers!   Support us by becoming a Patron! https://rcplanelab...

RC Plane Lab will be giving away a FlySky FS-I6 transmitter! Stay tuned for more details. Since the Duellist project is behind them, in this episode of RC Plane Lab, Ron and Tom talk about their next airplane build, a giant scale Ford Tri-Motor. This will be a fun project to follow along, so be sure to check back for future updates. The guys also respond to listener questions and comments.

In this episode, Tom goes through some ways to save money in the hobby, not only on materials, but on tools as well. While it can be expensive, there are ways to cut costs without cutting corners!  

Finally! The Duellists have had their successful maiden flights! Tune in to hear Ron and Tom talk about how they went, and watch the maiden video on YouTube!   Visit https://rcplanelab.com/youtube and be sure to like and subscribe!

The weather didn't cooperate for our Duellist maidens this week. Trust us when we say nobody is more disappointed than we are! From an ice storm New Years Day, to 5 inches of snow on our backup date, Mother Nature had a way of throwing a wrench in our plans!   Join Ron and Tom in this episode as they talk about the new Remote ID rules from the FAA. 

2021 is finally here! Join Ron and Tom, along with their wives Crystal and Lori, for a look back at 2020 as we answer some listener questions, and talk about some of the highs and lows of the last year. We also talk a bit about what our future plans are for 2021 and beyond!

Happy Holidays from RC Plane Lab! Today, Ron and Tom talk about their recent trip to Dynamic Balsa and the airplanes they came home with. Tom explains what wing incidence is and talks about how he made his wing fairings on his Duelist.