Laser-Cut Planes is a web-based microbusiness based in Colorado Springs, CO, catering to hobbyists, students, parents, clubs–just about anyone interested in friendly to build, well flying free flight models. LCP’s first kits came out around 2008. My initial motivation was to put into the hands of Sci Oly students simple, well flying models to liberate them from the need to have bona fide indoor free flight modelers among their friends. I think of an imaginary sophomore out there on the prairie trying to build a plane with her mother at the kitchen table. She, too, is entitled to a well-flying, simple-to-build plane.
Since those early years I’ve added outdoor models, AMA competition models and even just fun-to-fly models that have nothing to do with competition. I continue to approach kits from the standpoint of trying solving problems for builders, not create them! If simplicity and ease of construction can result in a well flying plane, then that’s good engineering if nothing else.
My own background, for what it’s worth: Three careers to date. Naval Officer (Surface Warfare–about 23 years all told, active plus Reserve), business consulting in selection systems design and validation (around 12 years), and for the past 20 or 21 years, high school teacher–AP Stats, AP Physics! It’s a blast except when the occasional pandemic comes along. My BS is in Mechanical and Aero engineering, Cornell ’82.
You’ll notice I’m no Amazon when it comes to high-speed fulfillment. I’m sorry about that, but the 10 and 11 hour days keeping up with school tend to have an effect. That’s also why it takes a long time to develop new kits. I’ve got a few designs in the pipeline at any given time, but getting them ready for prime time is challenging!
In modeling, I’ve been flying models since I was a kid, but for the past 20 years or so I’ve been exclusively into free flight. Indoor and outdoor. I’m a proud member of Colorado’s MMM Free Flight Club, the Academy of Model Aeronautics, and the National Free Flight Society.
Thank you for supporting this little business.
John
Feel free to contact me–best is by email: johnmcgrath2@comcast.net
By the way–if ever you need help with a kit, or trimming advice, or you run into some punky wood, please shoot me an email. I try my best with instructions, but there are always plenty of mysteries to solve, regardless. Particularly if you’re new to free flight, I want to help.
Cheers.