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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 Want to see our content early while supporting the production of more videos in the channel?  Become a Channel Member here!   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaalhl27tnVYkHhRKfgGdmQ/join 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   ---- Music track: Inspiring People by Aylex Source: https://freetouse.com/music No Copyright Music for Videos (Free)

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

Mirco Pecorari, the creative mind behind aircraftStudioDesign, shares his journey from childhood sketches to designing some of aviation's most iconic aircraft. His portfolio includes the Extra NG, Kimball's Pitts Python, Sharp's Nemesis, and the PilotRC Matrix. In this conversation, Mirco reveals: His early years in Modena's automotive design culture Design secrets from both full-scale and RC aviation Behind-the-scenes stories of working with aerobatic legends How he uses cutting-edge VR technology in aircraft design A preview of his upcoming book featuring 7,000+ concept designs Whether you're into RC planes, full-scale aviation, or aircraft design, this episode offers unique insights into how iconic aircraft schemes come to life.

Ben Fisher's journey in RC aviation is a testament to relentless innovation and technical excellence. From founding the iconic 3D Hobby Shop to his current role as co-owner and lead designer at Extreme Flight, Ben has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible in RC aircraft design. His deep understanding of aerodynamics and hands-on approach to testing has led to some of the most successful extreme aerobatic aircraft in the past decade. In this episode, Ben takes us deep into the technical world of RC aircraft development, sharing his meticulous design philosophy and revealing the extensive testing process behind Extreme Flight's renowned models. We explore everything from the evolution of RC technology to the intricate details of airframe design that make their aircraft perform at the highest level. Whether you're fascinated by Extreme aerobatics and 3D, or simply love the art of flight, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of RC aviation's most successful and knowledgeable designers. Ben's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ben.fisher.3150 Extreme Flight Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1483262701885613 Extreme Flight: https://extremeflightrc.com/ ----- Music track: Inspiring People by Aylex Source: https://freetouse.com/music No Copyright Music for Videos (Free)

Imagine a tool that not only helps pilots improve their flying but also changes the way we think about RC aerobatics competitions. *Flight Coach* does exactly that. By logging GPS and attitude flight data, it allows pilots to review their performance, pinpoint mistakes, refine maneuvers, and uncover areas for improvement like never before. Beyond training, *Flight Coach Score* unlocks exciting possibilities: global leaderboards, remote competitions, and even world records to connect pilots across the globe. It also has the potential to enhance—or even replace—human judging in live events. Today, we’re sitting down with Thomas David, the developer of *Flight Coach Score* and a world-class F3A pilot. We’ll dive into the ins and outs of *Flight Coach* and *Flight Coach Score*, discuss how these tools are shaping the future of precision aerobatics, and watch as Tom gives us a demo of the *Flight Coach* software in action. Thomas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomas.david.9809 Flight Coach: https://www.flightcoach.org/ How to build your own: https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common-autopilots.html Ready to go hardware:  - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165147365288  - https://precisionaeroproducts.com.au/shop/categories-listing/category/188-flight-coach  - https://www.vlvinternational.com.au/product/vlv-flightcoach-module/337?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=29  - https://www.rombautrc.com/skytracker

Dan Landis is a true aviation enthusiast with a lifetime of incredible experiences. From flying in a Cessna as a baby to competing in F3A at the U.S. Nationals, working as a full-scale flight instructor, piloting UAVs in Afghanistan, and shaping the RC hobby through his work at Hobbico, Dan's story is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, Dan shares his journey and gives us an insider look at the cutting-edge projects happening at Boomerang Jets. We dive into their latest models, including the Atom, the much-anticipated F-16, and their exciting Mini ViperJET and Vortex turbine prototypes, developed in collaboration with FTL Innovations. Tune in for an engaging conversation about RC aviation, innovation, and what’s next for Boomerang Jets! 🎥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews! Dan Landis in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dan.landis.142 Boomerang Jets in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoomerangRCJets Boomerang Jets website: https://www.boomerangrcjets.com/

CARF Models has earned its place as one of the world’s premier RC model manufacturers, known for their expertise in composite planes—from aerobatic and scale props to some of the finest turbine jets. Their lineup, including the iconic Rebel series, 3D beasts like Mephisto and Diablo, and the lightning-fast Ultraflash, has taken the RC world by storm. In this episode, I sit down with Max Chrubasik, CARF Models’ lead team pilot and a key figure in their success. Max, who now lives in Thailand and works at the CARF Models factory, has wowed audiences with breathtaking demos featuring planes like the massive F4 Phantom, the 3D powerhouses Mephisto and Diablo, and high-energy flights with the Bolt and turbine-powered Kobuz glider. 🚀 Highlights of our conversation: How he became involved with CARF ModelsTop setup tips for thrust-vector aerobatic jets.An inside look at the ultra-detailed twin-turbine F4 Phantom.Max’s thoughts on CARF’s latest cutting-edge models.If you’re passionate about turbine jets, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!