Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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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: bit.ly/3vK7Tyt
Click here to subscribe► bit.ly/FliteTestSub
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Thanks to our Main Runway Partner - Adams Plastics!
Check out Adams ReadiBoard/Flite Test MakerFoam Foamboard Here: bit.ly/3td5Ghg
Check out RadioMaster transmitters on the Flite Test store: store.flitetest.com/search.php?search_query=radiomaster§ion=product
Check out the ISDT chargers on the Flite Test store: store.flitetest.com/search.php?search_query=ISDT§ion=product
Our go to for Pilot training and Drone education!
Pilot Institute: bit.ly/33vgBTh
Check out our FAVORITE printers - Bambu Lab US store: tidd.ly/47MwcQV
Best in class X1C - tidd.ly/4oTTnPu
The BEST truckbed cover EVER! Check out Diamondback Truck covers here:
bit.ly/Dmndbck
Our Go To For Hotwire Foam Tools and Accessories!
Hot Wire Foam Factory: bit.ly/3db7VH1
Use code "FLITETEST" for 5% off tools and accessories!
Check out our Pro Lifter Cine Drone from GETFPV:
bit.ly/3tgFHSZ
Follow us on Social Media!!!!!!
instagram.com/flitetest
facebook.com/flitetest
tiktok.com/@flitetest_official
twitter.com/FliteTest
Follow the team on the Instagrams►
@flitetestjb
@stef_n_co5
@bixlernoah
#FliteTest #ItFlies #Crazy
EPISODE MUSIC►
David Cutter Music - 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?
Get Full feature custom PCB prototyping, CNC machining, and 3D print services plus much more with our PCB partner PCBWAY: 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: bit.ly/3vK7Tyt
Click here to subscribe► bit.ly/FliteTestSub
Become a Member ► Get cool badges and emojis!► bit.ly/FliteTestMember
Thanks to our Main Runway Partner - Adams Plastics!
Check out Adams ReadiBoard/Flite Test MakerFoam Foamboard Here: bit.ly/3td5Ghg
Check out RadioMaster transmitters on the Flite Test store: store.flitetest.com/search.php?search_query=radiomaster§ion=product
Check out the ISDT chargers on the Flite Test store: store.flitetest.com/search.php?search_query=ISDT§ion=product
Our go to for Pilot training and Drone education!
Pilot Institute: bit.ly/33vgBTh
Check out our FAVORITE printers - Bambu Lab US store: tidd.ly/47MwcQV
Best in class X1C - tidd.ly/4oTTnPu
The BEST truckbed cover EVER! Check out Diamondback Truck covers here:
bit.ly/Dmndbck
Our Go To For Hotwire Foam Tools and Accessories!
Hot Wire Foam Factory: bit.ly/3db7VH1
Use code "FLITETEST" for 5% off tools and accessories!
Check out our Pro Lifter Cine Drone from GETFPV:
bit.ly/3tgFHSZ
Follow us on Social Media!!!!!!
instagram.com/flitetest
facebook.com/flitetest
tiktok.com/@flitetest_official
twitter.com/FliteTest
Follow the team on the Instagrams►
@flitetestjb
@stef_n_co5
@bixlernoah
#FliteTest #ItFlies #Crazy
EPISODE MUSIC►
David Cutter Music - 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?
