Skybound RC - Matt Chapman: American Airlines captain, Airshow pilot and RC modeler

Matt Chapman: American Airlines captain, Airshow pilot and RC modeler

12/05/23 • 59 min

Today, we have a very special guest, Matt Chapman is joining us on the Skybound RC podcast. Matt is an American Airlines captain flying the Boeing 737 and an avid RC pilot. He's also an accomplished full-scale aerobatic pilot, boasting numerous competition successes, including a remarkable 3rd place in the 1998 World Aerobatic Championships.
After his competitive career, he's continued to captivate millions at major US airshows and has showcased unique RC and full-scale formation demos. He’s even worked with Hobbico to develop and release an RC model replica of his own full-scale Eagle 580.
Today, he’s still passionate about RC planes, and we're diving into all things aerobatics and aviation with him.
Nice intro to Matt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04CZYolOWPE
Checkout one of Matt's airshows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH2YPQiRy9o
Full-scale and RC formation demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxhMuvqDuAw
00:00: Intro
05:30: Matt’s start in aerobatics
07:55: Process of learning and improving aerobatic skills
21:50: RC vs Full Scale aerobatics
27:56: Airshows while working as a commercial pilot
31:10: Great Planes Eagle 580
36:25: Combined demos full scale and RC plane
42:28: Flying with the Blue Angels
48:30: RC planes
53:30: Advice for somebody getting into full scale aerobatics

Previous Episode

Ryu Sintuphrom talks model development at Pilot-RC, new Edge 540 and differences between airframes

This is Ryu Sintuphrom, a rising star in 3D and Extreme Aerobatics from Thailand. At the young age of 23, Ryu’s piloting skills have already reached extraordinary heights. He’s performed demo flights at top international events and his list of sponsors is too long to list here.
As a key member of the Pilot-RC team, Ryu actively contributes to the design and flight testing of the company’s newest aerobatic planes. In this interview Ryu shares the story of his early immersion into the hobby and how he joined the Pilot-RC team. He also gives us an insight into the Pilot-RC development and testing process and describes the key differences between their most popular airframe designs. He also takes us into a deep dive on his gear selection and talks about his preferred setup for max performance.
If you’re into aerobatics, you don’t want to miss this one.
Find Ryu in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanatephon.sinthuprom
and in Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ryusintuphrom7354
Pilot-RC: https://pilot-rc.com/
Tailslide Aviation (US Pilot-RC dealer): https://tailslideaviation.com/
Realflight model: https://forums.realflight.com/index.php?resources/pilot-rc-laser-103-ryu3d_av.28933/
Contents:
00:00: Intro
01:12: Ryu's start in RC
05:23: Training using the simulator
06:58: Ryu's areas of improvement
08:12: Joining the Pilot-RC team
09:49: New Edge 540
16:42: Differences between Extra NG, Slick, Edge and Laser
23:02: Flying turbine jets
24:48: Pilot-RC Matrix
25:44: Pilot-RC development process
27:53: Weston Park
30:05: Flying in Australia
31:41: RC scene in Thailand
37:06: Ryu's plane setup
41:21: Plans to fly in USA?
42:26: Other goals in RC
45:55: Flight simulator model used for training

Next Episode

Gernot Bruckmann on F3A and F3P World Championships, EXFC and a lifetime of RC aerobatics

Gernot Bruckmann is a legend in the world of RC aviation. Growing up in Austria with parents deeply involved in aero-modeling, he naturally embraced the hobby. Fast forward, and for the past 15 years, he's been a standout in European aerobatic competitions.
His expertise shines in IMAC, F3A, F3P, gliders, and jets. This year alone, he secured his fifth F3P World Championship title and achieved an impressive 4th place in the F3A World Championships. Not just a pilot, Gernot is also renowned for designing planes under his own brand, Bruckmamn Modelbau, and collaborating with industry leaders like Krill Models.
Find Gernot in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gernot.bruckmann.54
Bruckmann Modellbau: https://www.modellbau-bruckmann.at
2023 F3A World Championship: https://www.fai.org/world-cups/f3a-radio-control-aerobatics
2023 F3P World Championship: https://f3plithuania.eu/
EFXC: https://www.exfc.eu/
Timeline:
00:00: Intro
03:07: Making a living with RC.
05:06: Flying unique planes and keeping things fun
07:10: Horky Sukhoi Su-31 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUm6N30V_Vc
08:36: How hard is to make money building and selling rc planes?
11:05: 2023 F3A World Championships
14:11: IMAC and F3A similarities
15:45: Gernot's F3A plane: Pavanora
20:28: Competing in glider aerobatics
23:50: European XFC
29:10: Flying jets and the Ares XL
32:47: F3P World Championships
40:10: Juggling so many different RC competitions
41:58: Avoiding burnout
43:27: Mindset and pressure during competitions
45:40: Go-to planes to fly for fun
46:35: Plans for 2024
48:14: Gernot's wife is also a great pilot!
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Music track: Furious by Aylex
Source: https://freetouse.com/music
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