ABOUT US

RC Flying Bootcamp was founded by two enthusiasts who both shared the view that RC Model Flying is a great hobby and something that young people, particularly those with a talent for computer gaming would really enjoy and would help them develop their talents into useful life skills.

They are supported by some of the best RC Model Flying instructors in the country, who all share a passion for model flying and are willing to pass on their knowledge and experience to develop new skills in others.

Using dual controls (known as the “buddy box” system) and computer simulators combined with the skills and experience of our instructors, we know we can teach people of all ages and abilities to fly model aircraft in a short space of time.

FOUNDERS

DAVE NAPPER

I have been building and flying model aircraft since I started Secondary School.. some years ago!

My first aircraft was a Keil Kraft Ajax built from a kit, as it was the first thing I ever tried to make it wasn't straight it was very heavy and even with the whole of Blackheath common to play with it wouldn't fly.

At Secondary school I became friends with a group of older boys that were into control line flying and so began my Modelling career.

My first radio Plane was a glider built from plan called an Orange box… this was flown on Futaba M series 2 channel radio (Mode 1) as I only had up and down and left and right.

Over the years I became better at building and flying, upgrading to better radio and better models.

I qualified with a BMFA B ticket and an LMA certification allowing me to fly at public events, I was even a BMFA silent flight examiner for a while.

My Son followed in my footsteps and has flown at many of the local shows including Duxford. If he doesn't volunteer to help out we will have words :-)

I enjoy all types of RC, I have Cars, Boats, Tanks, Gliders, Helicopters, Jets, sport planes and Scale.

There are about 80 aircraft in my collection from a 30 gram indoor flying flea to a 3.9 meter 19kg Wellington bomber. I even have some old control line models.

Dan and myself are now trying to get a new younger generation interested in our RC hobby in the hope that they can enjoy the outdoors, make friends and feel the sense of achievement you get from building and flying an RC Plane.

Thanks for reading and hope to see you on a bootcamp soon!

DAN HUMPHRIES

I started model flying when I was 12 years old with one of my school friends who was passionate about all things flying. We used to build gliders (badly) together and then launch them on a large length of elastic after school at the local park. At the time, we weren’t very good at either building or flying them and would celebrate a flight as short as 45 seconds as a triumph! 

Fortunately, we improved and progressed to flying powered models and would spend most of our Saturdays preparing our models and then all day Sunday down at the local Model Flying Club. 

I found that at Model Flying Clubs, you met helpful, friendly and like-minded folk, which quickly led to good friendships, many of which I have maintained 35+ years on.  

Years ago, the hobby was extremely challenging and you could either learn by trial-and-error, which is the expensive method or you could learn from others and save yourself a lot of time, money and frustration! 

Fortunately today, the hobby is very different and there is a wealth of information on the internet plus models that you can buy and fly straight out of the box, which makes the hobby more fun, more accessible and easier on your time and wallet. 

I progressed from model flying and gained my Private Pilots License when I was just 19 years old. I found that model flying gave me a greater understanding of flying and my passion for engineering helped me understand how aeroplanes worked.  

Despite flying full sized aircraft, I never stopped gaining enjoyment from flying model aircraft and still do today. I now have a ‘B’ License, LMA certification and over 30 different models including jet powered aircraft, and large scale aircraft, which I fly at Model Shows throughout Europe.

I worked with Dave to come up with the concept of the Bootcamps to help both young people and their parents shortcut their way to success in model flying and open up new horizons to those who have gained excellent hand-eye co-ordination though playing computer games. 

I look forward to seeing you and your family at our bootcamps, which will be an excellent, fun experience for you all.