Nico Gastaldi: Thrust Vector Masterclass and new PAU turbine jets

02/02/24 • 82 min

Today, I'm thrilled to be in conversation with none other than Nico Gastaldi, one of the best thrust vector aerobatic jet pilots worldwide. Coming to us from France, Nico brings his wealth of experience with hundreds of thrust vector flights on J-10, Mephisto, and Ares, offering us a masterclass in the intricate world of thrust vectoring aerobatics.
Join us as Nico walks us through his process for gear selection, assembly, radio setup, trimming, center of gravity adjustment, and gyro tuning – all essential elements for achieving max performance in turbine jets.
But that's not all; Nico opens up about his latest ventures with PAU and RCGadgetz. We not only delve into their just-announced Pulse sport jet but also get some initial details into a future thrust vector jet currently in development by Nico and the PAU team, anticipated for release later this year.
Follow Nico in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nico.gastaldi.7
RcGadgetz: https://rcgadgetz.com/
PAU USA: https://flypauusa.com/
Contents:
00:00: Intro and getting started in RC
07:26: Transitioning to 3D flying with jets
09:45: How to properly setup a thrust vector jet for aerobatics and 3D.
10:50: Assembly and component selection
15:45: Center of gravity
20:13: Trimming process
24:00: Endpoints, exponential, rates
30:17: Gyro tuning
50:55: Thrust vector always on?
54:24: Max deflections on surfaces and thrust vector
59:35: Freestyle with jets
1:06:28: Working with RCGadgetz, PAU Pulse jet and new delta wing thrust vector jet
1:12:45: Flying and coaching in India and where people struggle with jets

Previous Episode

Jonathan Vogt: The Lighter Side of RC, radio showdown controversies and lessons after countless jets

On today’s episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with the mastermind behind The Lighter Side of RC, Jonathan Vogt. With an impressive 41,000 subscribers and counting, his Youtube channel takes us through the build process of some of the most amazing turbine jets you can find.
In our chat, we delve into the inception of Jonathan’s channel and discuss the challenges behind his videos. We also revisit his radio showdown test video that cought everyones attention, sparking discussions about radio brands within the RC community. And, of course, he talks about his many ongoing projects and spills the beans on some insider tips and tricks accumulated through countless turbine model builds and the setup of his professional RC workshop.
Check out Jonathan's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCz1KUoUoIlV...
You can also find him in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelightersi...
Website: https://www.thelightersideofrc.com/
RC Air Experience podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UC2CqOgMp7en...
Radio showdown video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Largn...
Contents:
00:00: Intro and getting started in RC
06:17: Progression of the youtube channel
10:20: Building jets for customers
19:30: Controversial Radio test showdown video
28:35: Efficiency tips and tricks when building rc planes
33:03: Tools
37:58: Go-to gear for jets
42:12: Preferences on setting up Jeti rx systems
45:13: Common challenges in setting up turbine jets
49:10: Strengths and weaknesses on different manufacturers
54:05: Important practices when putting together a new plane
58:48: Fuel systems
1:02:05: Hardest builds
1:04:11: Jonathan's Projects and future plans

Next Episode

Bryant Mack: IMAC deep dive, setup process and training tips

After the Tournament Of Championships came to and end in 2002, the Tucson Aerobatic Shootout became one of most important RC aerobatic competitions in the world, with the best pilots gathering to compete in IMAC and freestyle.
Today, I’m talking to Bryant Mack, 2 time Invitational champion as well multiple freestyle podium finisher. In our chat, we do a deep dive on precision aerobatics and IMAC and Bryant talks about his journey to the top of the aerobatic scene. He shares his process to setup and adjust a competition winning IMAC airplane, and gives us a glimpse on his training mindset.
Follow Bryant at / bryant.mack
Tucson Aerobatic Shootout: http://www.tucsonaerobaticshootout.com/
Contents:
00:00: Intro
04:36: Pattern vs IMAC
06:45: Flying IMAC unknowns.
11:30: Tucson Aerobatic Shootout
13:48: Training for major competitions
18:12: Judging different flying styles
20:19: IMAC airframes
26:30: Setup and trimming process
34:30: Flight modes
39:50: Snap rolls
47:07: Advanced vs Unlimited vs Invitational pilot skills
51:02: Flying IMAC and Freestyle back to back
1:04:00: Japan RC Pageant trip
1:06:38: 2024 plans
1:09:50: Advice for pilots wanting to get into/progress in IMAC
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