FliteTest

We Rescued a Vintage RC Stearman and Gave It the Maiden Flight It Deserved

Get Full feature custom PCB prototyping, CNC machining, and 3D print services plus much more with our PCB partner PCBWAY: https://bit.ly/PCBWAY22 We Found a VINTAGE RC Stearman at a Swap Meet… And We Had to Make It Fly! After 13 years away, we finally made it back to the Toledo RC Swap and Expo — and within seconds of walking through the doors, this beautiful vintage RC Stearman biplane stopped us dead in our tracks. We knew immediately: this thing HAD to fly again. But bringing a classic balsa biplane back from the dead isn't as simple as slapping in a battery. We're talking missing parts, balance issues, a MONSTER motor debate, and — wait for it — vacuum-forming a cowling out of a kitchen saucepan. Yes, really. In this episode: Whether you're into warbirds, scale RC, vintage aircraft restoration, or just love watching someone sweat through a maiden flight — this one's for you. 🛩️ The Stearman is one of the most iconic biplanes in aviation history, used to train thousands of WWII pilots. Seeing one take to the skies again — even in RC form — is something special. And trust us, the landing will keep you on the edge of your seat. 👇 Stick around — we've still got a nitro-powered Snoopy plane from the same swap meet haul coming up next! 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss the next flight! Flite Test LINK TREE: https://bit.ly/3vK7Tyt Click here to subscribe► http://bit.ly/FliteTestSub Become a Member ► Get cool badges and emojis!► http://bit.ly/FliteTestMember Thanks to our Main Runway Partner - Adams Plastics! Check out Adams ReadiBoard/Flite Test MakerFoam Foamboard Here: https://bit.ly/3td5Ghg Check out RadioMaster transmitters on the Flite Test store: https://store.flitetest.com/search.php?search_query=radiomaster&section=product Check out the ISDT chargers on the Flite Test store: https://store.flitetest.com/search.php?search_query=ISDT&section=product Our go to for Pilot training and Drone education! Pilot Institute: https://bit.ly/33vgBTh Check out our FAVORITE printers - Bambu Lab US store: https://tidd.ly/47MwcQV Best in class X1C - https://tidd.ly/4oTTnPu The BEST truckbed cover EVER! Check out Diamondback Truck covers here: https://bit.ly/Dmndbck Our Go To For Hotwire Foam Tools and Accessories! Hot Wire Foam Factory: https://bit.ly/3db7VH1 Use code "FLITETEST" for 5% off tools and accessories! Check out our Pro Lifter Cine Drone from GETFPV: https://bit.ly/3tgFHSZ Follow us on Social Media!!!!!! https://www.instagram.com/flitetest/ https://facebook.com/flitetest https://www.tiktok.com/@flitetest_official https://twitter.com/FliteTest Follow the team on the Instagrams► @flitetestjb @stef_n_co5 @bixlernoah #FliteTest #ItFlies #Crazy EPISODE MUSIC► David Cutter Music - https://www.dcuttermusic.com @dcuttermusic 🕐 Timestamps: 0:00 – The Swap Meet Find 0:42 – Motor Selection Debate 3:08 – Finding CG & Planning Struts 3:31 – Laser-Cut Wing Struts 4:18 – Turnbuckle Rigging 5:04 – Rudder Rod Build 6:43 – Cowling from a Saucepan 🍳 9:49 – Final Assembly & Prep 11:25 – Pre-Flight Nerves 12:53 – Maiden Flight! 17:43 – Landing & Wrap-Up Subscribe for weekly RC project breakdowns and let me know in the comments: what is the most challenging plane you have ever resurrected?