From Crashes to Bonding: A Father-Son RC Hobby Story

Growing Up with RC: Jacopo Russo's Family Journey into the Hobby

For many RC enthusiasts, the love for the hobby begins with a single spark—a first flight, a first car, or simply watching someone else’s model come to life. For this young pilot - Jacopo Russo, that spark came early and has since grown into a passion that now connects his whole family.

Jacopo Russo stands proudly with his sleek FMS RC Airplane at a sunny outdoor aviation event

A Hobby Passed Do

The story begins when Jacopo Russo was just four years old. His father bought him a small RC helicopter, and from that moment, he was hooked. “I used it every day! Having such a small flying machine felt so weird but exciting. I loved it, and my parents loved seeing me have fun.”

That passion was no coincidence—his dad is also deeply connected to aviation, as the co-founder of Zlin Aviation. Back in the 1990s, his father started flying RC planes, beginning with a simple balsa wood trainer powered by a single piston engine. Although the maiden flight ended in a crash, it also marked the start of a lifelong love for RC.

RC as Family Time

Jacopo Russo and a fellow pilot look skyward, expertly flying an FMS RC Airplane in a scenic mountain valley

Today, RC is more than just a hobby in their household—it’s a way to bring the family closer. Whether it’s flying at their favorite club in Pohořelice, building together at home, or simply talking about new models, the hobby has created a strong bond.

“In a way, you are never alone in this hobby, there will always be someone that will help you or need help. The biggest change i think its when I ask my family to go flying, they almost always say yes, but sometimes they are too tired, and I understand perfectly!”

Fun and Disasters Along the Way

Of course, no RC journey is complete without a few disasters. The funniest? Losing not one, but two planes thanks to a misbehaving DXS radio. Both ended up in cornfields—never to be found again.

“Its NOT fun to go search it, it's a pain in the neck! But funny at the same time! No matter how much we all searched, we never found it.”

Favorite Flying Spot

For Jacopo Russo's Family, their favorite place is Pohořelice modelaři MK.

"Pohořelice has a special meaning to us. We have so many maidesn there and crashes, but in this hobby, crashes are normal. My favorite memory is when I flew my first ever EDF. It was a dream I had for a long time, since I was 5! So pohořelice has a very special place in our memories."

FMS 1400mm P-40B Warhawk Flying Tiger PNP

Inspiring Others

At local events like Flying Weather Opening, he often brings his FMS P-51 1450mm along with smaller UMX planes. Spectators are always impressed: “They are very impressed that a kid can fly the same as them. I have 10 years of experience, they have 30, and I am proud of myself, not only also my family is very proud of me!”

Looking Ahead

When asked what he’d like to see from FMS in the future, his answer is clear: more RTR 1/24 scale off-roaders, and smaller, lighter RC planes under 250 grams that make it easy for kids and parents to enjoy flying together.