Josh and Josh unbox Spektrum's latest advancement in radio technology. The NEW Spektrum DX8! It's loaded with features and they're ready to give it a spin. They take to the sky with the E-Flite Taylorcraft 450 to run the DX8 through its paces. Vibrating alerts, telemetry and a backlit display are just a few features explored in this review.
Have you ever wondered what dual rates were? Or maybe someone told you to dial up your expos... In an attempt to save face, you nod in agreement while fiddling with your controller. Heck, why not just add 10% here, 50% there? Then next time maybe you'll be able to hang with the cool flyers. Don't feel bad. Just let Josh and Josh give you a little insight on dual rates and expos. After watching this action packed episode of Flite Test, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to walk onto any flying field. And this time... you're the cool one!
The greatly anticipated Quicksilver GT-700 is here... and we got it for its maiden flight! As far as we can tell, this is the first one that rolled off the line. This little replica is inspired from the classic Quicksilver recreational aircraft. You'll get to see Josh Bixler fly this aircraft for the first time!
The Supermarine Spitfire, made by Durafly (a Hobby King brand), is a beautiful warbird that is just plain fun to watch as it flies by! Josh Bixler talks about the retractable landing gear, durable construction and scale appearance while Josh Scott gets a little stick time. Don't miss this episode of Flite Test or all of your RC buddies will make fun of you.
Raphael Pirker (Trappy) is an Austrian born university student that has a passion for flying first person view (FPV) RC planes. Recently his passion got him in some hot water recently! He decided to prove what many people thought couldn't be done. He flew an unmanned aerial vehicle in New York city. While the footage is stunning, and Trappy claims it was all legal, many feel it was an irresponsible and reckless act.
At Flite Test, we believe safety is very important. That's why Josh and Josh have been working on illustrating what NOT to do at your local flying field. Watch this episode to see why you should NEVER fly around angry swordsmen.At Flite Test, we believe safety is very important. That's why Josh and Josh have been working on illustrating what NOT to do at your local flying field. Watch this episode to see why you should NEVER fly around angry swordsmen.
The Dynamic Duo join the busy flight line at the Apollo 11 flying field in the Sepulveda Basin field, Southern California for the maiden flight of the Hobby King F6F Hellcat. This new release EPO WW2 warbird is sure to satisfy with a variety of authentic details, and plenty of power. Josh Bixler gives you a history lesson, then tempts you with the "Full Schwamee", while Josh Scott enjoys saying "Hell" as much as he likes without censure. Faithful to his fan base, Bixler interrupts filming to take a personal call from Zach of the Red Devils Flying Club. I guess California can make anyone a diva!
No trip to LA would be complete without the opportunity to bask in the glow of celebrity. In this week's Flite Tip, our boys get a chance to hang out with a star from The Lost Boys, Corey Feldman. A high wind advisory couldn't keep Josh grounded, and in this episode he shares advice for flying in the wind. It is evident though that Corey and Josh differ somewhat in their definitions for "Flying in the Wind", but both techniques promise some excitement. The F6F performs well in these adverse conditions, and Josh Scott contributes to the discussion with tips on control throws and managing airspace. This Hollywood story has a happy ending, and Corey gets to go home with a Hobby King F6F Hellcat. Be sure to watch until the end as Josh Bixler does his best imitation of Dancing with the Stars.
The Joshes show their brotherly love while on the beaches of southern California while reviewing the Hobby King Edge 540. Josh Scott impresses the audience with his spot on specs for the plane, until Josh Bixler notices that Josh Scott begins to have difficulty with his facts. Josh Bixler claims to find himself speechless while giving a rundown of the planes lightweight, and dialed in performance, leaving few opportunities for Josh Scott to get a word in edgewise. This plane showed itself to be an impressive performer, with it's lightweight construction, and carbon fiber landing struts/gear. No magnetic hatches on this aircraft, Josh Bixler was able to take it through a review without losing the canopy.
If planes have mustaches, then they must have faces, right? In this Flite Tip, the Joshes tell us that the cowl is the face of the plane, and going on the idea that you only have one chance to make a good first impression, you better make sure the face of your plane looks it's best. Josh Bixler shows a simple yet very effective way of making sure you line your cowl up perfectly while Josh Scott breaks out some helpful colloquialisms. With some simple materials that you likely have on hand, you'll be able to mount the cowl right the the first time, making your plane pretty enough for that video close up. Keeping it that way will be up to you.
Once again, thanks to HobbyKing, we find the Joshes basking in the sun on an outcropping of rock in southern California instead of the cold and grey expanses of Ohio. Josh Scott introduces a little southern charm into the show. Meanwhile Josh Bixler does an excellent job explaining how different wing styles and configurations can effect flight characteristics and how with a computer radio one can use differential to compensate for these effects. Some might be reaching for their coffee while Josh B. uses terms like axial rolls, awkward angles, ailerons, and adverse yaw, and those were just the A's. Fortunately Josh S. was able to bring it all to a close with a surprisingly thorough summary of the episodes lesson.
The listeners have spoken, and Flite Test listened. The Joshes have forgone the beautiful beach settings, and taken it to the desert this week to test out the HobbyKing Fiberglass Fox. Josh Bixler set this plane up to fly fast, adding an oversized motor, and all around metal gear servos. Expectations were high, and they cut the description short, and launched the plane. This is guaranteed to be the fastest flight in flite test history. Josh Scott got a huge boost this episode, coming out ahead in flying skills, with Josh B. admitting that Josh S. had "longer flights, and better landings."
Josh and Josh go to their happy spot on the soap slopes of California. In what might very well be the last Hobby King sponsored show, Josh Bixler demonstrates the basics of slope soaring. The plane of choice is the Kinetic 800. Josh Scott helps with a little sink-chonized gesturing explaining the different zones around a soaring slope. There's even a few safety tips thrown in, such as do not fall off cliffs, and caution, little planes fly fast. Just remember to bring your repair tape and some bandages.
If you use a forum, or if you've read an RC aircraft Magazine, you've seen discussions about events like fly-ins, trade shows, and tournaments. This episode, join Josh and Josh as they hit some highlights at the Toledo Weak Signals Model Expo. They visit the booth of Fred's Flying Models, featuring light, rubber band, free flight models. They converse with the owner of a turbine-powered jet. And they also get some time with a well-known transmitter company. Don't miss this first installment of the Weak Signals event in Toledo!
Once again Josh and Josh talk to us from the Weak Signals Model Expo in Toledo Ohio. After a brief explanation of just what an Expo is, Josh Bixler makes it clear, there's no soft sticks here. This episode they meet Jim Bourke, and to call him the founder of RCGroups, while accurate, would be a gross understatement of this man's many endeavors. During this interview, Josh Scott confesses he enjoys vomiting. From there they meet up with Roland of EOT Models. He shows off his foam Rare Bear, and Josh Bixler lets slip that this plane will be in an upcoming review. Finally the guys talk to Bobby Watts, RC helicopter pilot, and videographer of really big fish. Big fish, with big teeth, and he's got the tale to tell. Tune in for this episode, and more, as the guys continue to bring you coverage from the Toledo Model Expo.
Hot dogs, gates to the sea, and sounds of the city, oh my. The Joshes are once again at the 57th Model Expo in Toledo Ohio, and they focus this week on aircraft that hover. Josh Scott found something he wanted to fly while speaking with Brian about his "multiarmed helicopters". Good news for the guys this week, because Ben from 3D Hobby Shop said it here, that he gives planes away to people named Josh. Which planes did they pick out? The crew reunites with their favorite RC helicopter pilot, John Coyle, as he tests the Blade MCPX for them at a nearby gymnasium. While this little heli doesn't excel at clock tocks it's very capable at several other maneuvers. Watch and listen carefully towards the end, as John challenges Josh Scott for best quote of the week.
This week we have something a little different. No reviews, no events, no tips, just a small bet between friends. Is it possible to build a foam airplane, for under a hundred dollars, that can fly faster than a hundred miles an hour? Josh Bixler is sure that his wrinkled tape covered foam box with wings can succeed with speed. Josh Scott weighs the options and looks at the red flying brick with doubt. The challenge has been set, rules have been drafted, and the consequences have been decided. Who wins, who loses, and who will be looking a little different in the next episode? Watch and find out.
This teaser is is aptly named. This short clip will leave you wanting more. For those who have been to SEFF, you'll be wishing you were back at the green expanse known as Hodges Field. For those that haven't been, it will leave you making plans and saving money, to find yourself in Americus Georgia this one magical week in April next year. Check out these selected scenes from this year's event, the largest all electric flight festival, SEFF 2011!
Did Chad forget to pay the heating bill? No, That's just Mr. Bixler's way of trying to circumvent his end of the bargain. This week we see Josh Bixler like you've never seen him before, as they discuss a combat plane, the FunBat from Bloodymicks.com. This simple, well designed foam plane is available in a variety of formats. The temptation to put this combat flyer to the test was too much for a few of the crew members. Losing one competition wasn't enough to keep Josh B down. Oh no, he decided to challenge his boss, Chad to a round of streamer combat. Watch this episode, to see what Mr. Bixler will be wearing next week.
Here's the episode many of you have been waiting for. The Joshes traveled to the broad green expanse of Hodges Hobbies to bring you the sights, sounds, and people of the largest all electric rc flying event known as SEFF. Between exciting clips of the flying at the event, Josh and Josh interview an interesting cross section of the people at an event like this. They talk to folks ranging from a couple of show fans, a builder with his martian spacecraft, to a designer of large flying wings made of foam, as well as the editor of Model Aviation, the magazine of the AMA. Join Josh and Josh in this first of several episodes as they mix and mingle with the best ingredient of any airshow, the guests, the vendors, the pilots, and the hosts.
This episode the Joshes return you to the pristine field of Hodges Hobbies, home of the annual event known as SEFF. Josh Scott is excited, as he gets to bark at a mutt of a plane, while Josh Bixler interviews Sean from Hitec about the new Dogfighter aircraft from Multiplex. Next they speak with Jim T. Graham. Even with Jim's easy smile, and friendly demeanor, Josh Scott still ends up feeling threatened by him. In the final segment, the guys talk to Chris Klick, owner of RiteWing.com. If you've ever been interested in what makes a Ritewing different than any other wing, Chris gives a great overview of some of the special features he's engineered into his planes. So, do something that the Joshes couldn't, grab a mountain dew, open your laptop, and enjoy a rocking chair on porch somewhere, while watching this episode of Flite Test.
Josh and Josh continue to experience the largest all electric rc flying event as they bring you the third installment from SEFF 2011. Josh Bixler speaks to Mark Murdock from geobat.com while Josh Scott discusses his plans to teach squirrels to fly UFOs. Next the guys speak with James from Millennium RC. Josh Scott got to bark, while Josh Bixler seems to have two left hands. In the third segment the guys speak with Jason Cole from Hobby Lobby. They get a close look at a new product, a 3D jet. They conclude this episode with a sneak peak at this planes capabilities.
In this episode, the Joshes give us an extensive update on some of the behind the scenes goings ons as well as addressing some of the comments they receive online. They speak about adding some new elements to the show, including more challenge based episodes. Next they address the fact that, while many might find it hard to believe, Josh Scott does not know everything about RC. Also, Josh Bixler teaches folks how to use their media player. Next up is an exciting announcement, HobbyKing releases a new plane, a first for the store, a RTF. Dadde, the professional Sweedish Slapper shows off his skills, while the Joshes acknowledge that not everybody loves them. Speaking of love, the love that the Joshes share, is that of friends, a bromance at best.
Josh Bixler was in the unusual role of support, instead of lead for this review. Josh Scott showed that he learned quite a bit about the plane while he had it in his possession, and demonstrates this while explaining some of the plusses and minus of this aircraft. The review was followed by Josh S putting the plane into the air, and returning it, for the most part, safely to the ground. A crooked mustache makes for an easy fix.
This week the Joshes talk about trumpets and fishing? Horns and rods are mentioned but what they're referring to is control horns, and control rods. Josh Bixler shows a couple different styles of control horns, tips and techniques on how to install them properly, and explains the importance of proper alignment of your horns and rods. Josh Scott contributes this week with a musical accompaniment, as well as an excellent demonstration of a few control rod bend examples. Chad, we have some good news, and some bad news for you. The good news is you don't have to do dishes tonight...
This week Flite Test finally releases it's super secret, long withheld, review of the HobbyKing Fokker Triplane. This plane has been teasing us from the background of other episodes for some time now. Josh and Josh give the low down on this not so PNP airplane. They give you the tips on what to fix to make it a puppy dog (Josh Scott, insert ARF here...) of a park flyer. Josh Bixler takes it for a test flight at the end of the show. Considering it has no canopy to lose, this should be one of his best on camera flights yet, right?
In this episode Josh bixler is flying solo?! Where's Josh Scott?! Josh B. and Fred Provost aka Flying Monkey, interview Mac Hodges, owner of the B-29 and Hodges Hobbies in Andersonville Georgia. Mac walks Josh B. and Flying Monkey, around the special B-29, complete with the coveted X-1 Bell, explaining the amazing aircraft. Watch this episode to see Mac fly the B-29 like a 3D Pro!
In this episode the Joshes are joined by David Windestal to introduce you to the world of multi-rotor craft. These aircraft are quickly growing in popularity in part for their odd looks, ease of flying, and abilities as a camera/FPV platform. David shows us the basics of his tricopter, while touching briefly on the topic of quadcopters. Josh Scott experiences a little tricopter envy, until he breaks out "his" craft. The show concludes with an FPV ride on David's tricopter, and a crash assessment. Tune in to see what damage was caused.
In this episode the Joshes are joined by David Windestal talking about 5 tips to a happy tricopter. These aircraft are quickly growing in popularity in part for their odd looks, ease of flying, and abilities as a camera/FPV platform. David shows us a list a tips and tricks for his tricopter, while touching briefly on the topic of quadcopters. The show continues top help you see the tips to a happy tricopter.
Warthog, Warthog, Warthog! This week the guys review the HobbyKing A-10 Warthog. While with this plane "there are no worries", there were a few points to inspect before putting it in the air. Josh Bixler explains the areas that they found needed attention, while Josh Scott addresses the planes proportions. They then bring the plane out for a test flight, and are joined by David Windestal and his FPV tricopter, adding an aerial perspective to the show.
This episode we have a return appearance by David Windestall, also known as Dadde on the internet forums. David joins the Joshes to help explain a confusing topic, antennas, specifically the ones used for FPV. David goes into great detail about the pluses and minuses of a few different designs of antennas. They also speak about some designs you can build yourself. If you've flown FPV, or are interested in giving it a try, you won't want to miss this episode!
The Bixler Build. Although Josh S. still envies Bixler for having his own plane, in this episode of Flite Test He helps build the Bixler. Josh S. reviews the plane giving us the positives, and the negitives. The Josh'es go to fly the bixler, oh wait! I guess you'll have to wait. Tune in next time to see what Josh S. thinks about the bixler flying expirience.
This week the Joshes return, with the flight review we were denied last episode. Josh Bixler hand launches the Bixler plane, for a review flight from, wait, this has to be a typo, Josh Scott? Yes, Josh Scott takes the new Bixler plane for a spin and does a great job flying it from a beginner's perspective. Josh Bixler walks us through some of the main points of the plane while Josh S. concentrates on flying his circuits. A little disaster seemed eminent when it is accidentally flown into the sun's glare, tune in to see if a Bixler Plane Repair episode is in order.
Put away your deep woods bug spray, this is one mosquito that you'll want buzzing around you at the flying field. This week the Joshes review the HobbyKing Mosquito. They give a brief indoor description, with a tip for those who have rough fields. They quickly head outside to do an in air demonstration. Josh Scott is NOT ready for this plane. Josh Bixler explains the nuances of flying this plane while taking it around the field in some very scale pattern flights. If you're thinking about picking up this twin engine aircraft, you'll want to watch this video first!
Have you ever thrown your plane straight into the ground, or wished you had an extra hand on your transmitter when launching? Well in this episode, Josh and Josh talk a little about the different ways to hand launch planes that don't have landing gear. David Windestal also demonstrates how to hand launch a wing! Tune in to learn how to properly hand launch YOUR plane!
Hey, remember the Cessna with boots? Well this Cessna doesn't have boots, but it does have an awesome scale appearance. In this episode of Flite Test, Josh and Josh review the Balsa Cessna! Together they discuss the positives and negatives, of this amazing little plane, while Josh Scott shows off his drawing skills. Watch this episode to learn more!
In this episode of Flite Test, Josh and Josh talk about flaring. Josh Bixler shows Josh Scott how to flare and the different applications that flaring can be used for. Josh Scott tries to flare and to much surprise demonstrates it perfectly! Watch this episode to learn the little trick called, flaring.
Ahhh, the AR Drone. With many other reviews, tips and home made videos floating around YouTube, let us see what the Flite Test boys have to say about it. Let's take a little trip back in time to frostier climates, and watch as Josh and Josh do the much anticipated review of the AR Drone. And hey, you might even learn how to save a few pennies on your purchase!
Flite Test was created for people passionate about RC flight. Our hope is to create a show for the people that build and fly planes and helicopters as a hobby. They are the dreamers and engineers that get a thrill from the first hand launch of a maiden flight. The show will personify the veteran and the beginner alike giving them a chance to share common experiences with others, in turn, enhancing the RC community. The goal is to develop a creative outlet that allows us to work in our passion daily. Flite Test is designed to cater to the audience. It has just enough humor, technology and information to appeal to the RC flight crowd as a whole. We hope to empower, entertain and educate as we move forward with quality content.
It's time to put the physics of flight to the ultimate test. Can the Flite Test boys get a cinder block to lift off of the ground? We're using an electric motor that has 15 lbs. of thrust and the cinder block weighs 39 lbs. alone. The whole plane weighs about 49 lbs. The challenge was to create a super efficient airframe that would fly this much weight with as little energy as possible.
RC Planes are becoming very popular due to the implementation of smaller and more powerful LiPo batteries and brushless motors. Flite Test explores the principles of flight through experimentation in a backyard-engineer sort of way. Josh Bixler and Joshua Scott spend each week creating challenges, tips and projects for your enjoyment. Radio control planes and helicopters have become the perfect platform to enable anyone to dabble in the science and mystery of flight. Weather it's a large flying machine, the smallest of indoor models or just plain weird... we're interested! And it's our mission to share what we learn with you with our weekly episodes.
In this episode we dive into an old Futaba 72mHz transmitter to give it new life! Watch as Josh, Josh and David summarize what it takes to do this. Afterwards, if you feel motivated, you can dig out your old transmitter to start hacking, drilling, and soldering with David's how-to tutorial below. And if you're still looking for more, we added a link to Paul Bitmatta's step-by-step video below that!
Did you love the Twin Twirl Review? Well you're in luck! In this episode of Flite Test Josh Bixler walks us through, step-by-step, on how to build the Twin Twirl! Although it may be a tad bit intimidating to build, Josh simplifies is easy steps, while giving you some added tips along the way! Watch this episode to see more.
Multirotors can be very useful. Imagine a quad-copter combined with a big shelf. Meet the H-Quad. We didn't invent it, but Josh Bixler sure built a good one. It's not quite as aerobatic as an 'X' or '+' quad, however... it sure can haul a lot of FPV crap! Functional multirotors are gaining popularity, so we were certain this would be a worth while build. This heavy lifter has lots of space and a great layout to get your camera gear way out front.
Learn to build a swappable Delta wing! This Delta is designed for taking that next step in your RC flying offering the ability to do rolls, loops, inverted flight and more! The third installment in the swappable airframes series is this Delta wing, designed with a unique KF airfoil step design. The KF step on this Delta is created with a folding technique that will offer for a clean scratch built design!
Flying a tail heavy plane is a bad idea! RC planes work like a fulcrum, a little weight in the tail equals a lot of weight in terms of CG (Center of Gravity) and balance. So the further back the weight is from the CG the more leverage it will create and the more unbalanced your RC plane will be. In this episode of Flite Test, we put a bunch of weight on the tail of the plane to show the extreme effects of a tail heavy plane.
Throttle mixing is something that can really improve your flying experience, but most people don't do it. Let's say you have a plane that flies great but has a few flaws, like with our Retro Pioneer which takes a nose dive whenever you chop the throttle. Well, throttle mixing can correct this issue!
The FT Flyer is a scratch built air frame designed specifically for our 'swappable fuselage' series. More details in in the write up on our website. The other wings in this series include the Nutball and Delta. In this episode, Josh goes through a step by step build plan and shows you how to make your own modified BluDart that we call The FT Flyer!
We'd like to start off by saying thank you, to the viewers who have made the Flite Test community what it is today! We have all kinds of great things planned in the future, but none of it would be possible without your support! As we move forward, we wanted to update you on the plans and products that we are rolling out to help generate revenue so we can continue to offer you free, unbiased programming and great RC flying content.
Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge with RC Multirotors? ...only on Flite Test! Our friend Giacomo, the creator of upaper.com, joins us today for a radio controlled challenge. We setup a giant tic-tac-toe board, we also have a nice selection of quad-copters, hexi-copter, multirotor copters to choose from. The goal, land 3 in a row and win!
The Futaba T8FG Super (Super 8) transmitter is here, and it is super! It's been upgraded with more channels, gyro menu support, Custom VPP settings and more! This transmitter can be setup to fly your scratch built, park flyer, hexicopter, helicopter, multirotor, 3D Large Scale, and well, you get the idea!
The Old Fogey foam board scratch built airplane is the latest additional to the Flite Test Swappable Fuselage Series! This old timer is designed after the classic RC airplane called the Buzzard Bombshell, this homemade plane features a polyhedral wing design that offers some very unique flying characteristics!
The Quadshot is a flying wing that is designed to be flown as a quadcopter or as an airplane (flying wing) and it can transition between either flying style in mid-flight! In this episode, we review this unique creation from Transition Robotics, Inc. and take it for a test flight indoors and outdoors!