Introduction To Training

Using the latest technology and training methods is just one part of making sure you not only get value for money but also ensure that you take the shortest, safest most enjoyable route to achieve your goals. Take a look at our sections below to help get a better understanding of how the UK's premiere flying school can help you.

The school has its own fleet of helicopter and fixed wing training aircraft, plus a carefully chosen selection of more advanced aircraft to cover all the major radio-controlled flying disciplines.

Training Techniques

Our BMFA approved training techniques closely follow the ones used today in full size aviation, after all our models have to abide by the same rules of aerodynamics, physics and gravity. The task of the model pilot is made a little more difficult as piloting is remote from the aircraft and rely's upon hand/eye co-ordination. When first starting out the student pilots work load is at 100%, here at the school we can help to reduce your work load by introducing the Dual Control System.

The Dual Control System is the term used to describe 2 transmitters connected via a buddy lead, one master and one slave. One feature of this system allows the instructor to assign all or partial controls to the student which permits the student to concentrate on getting comfortable using the basic primary controls first. If for example a student was showing difficult in operating both rudder and throttle simultaneously (being on the same stick), the rudder control can be removed from the equation thus allowing the student to grasp smooth throttle inputs. The instructor passes control by simply holding in the trainer switch on his master transmitter and at any time can take full control, by releasing this switch. This eliminates the need for any panic from the student.

Beginners to Advanced

Beginners - Mastering the basics is the first steps to becoming a competent solo pilot. After an initial short briefing covering basic aerodynamics, safety and use of the Dual Control System we then concentrate on as much "hands on" training as possible (its thumbs on stick, as often as possible, which allows you progress your training at a comfortable rate). At the school we will progress your training as fast as your skills allow and we certainly wont hold you back unnecessarily. You will also learn how to recognise potential problems with your equipment by developing a pre flight check routine.

Intermediate/Advanced Training - Recognising and advancing in your current skill level is an important part of flying and sometimes its difficult to progress without knowing the correct next steps. Here at Paul Heckles School of Flying we show you those important next steps and give you the confidence to take your flying to the next level. Whether it be going solo or right up to complex aerobatic maneuvers in both Helicopter and Fixed Wing. Using the Dual Control System you can easily watch the instructor demonstrate and talk you through all steps involved and advise you when its your turn.

Sports or Scale

If your particular requirements include Aerobatics, Scale, Freestyle, Large Models, Fun-fly or 3D, we have a package to suit you, fixed wing or helicopter.

Perhaps you have a new sports or scale model or you are trying your first biplane, delta or multi-engine aircraft and feel apprehensive to make that first flight alone. At our training school you can gain confidence using a dual control system and feel rest assured that you and your model are in safe hands.

Fixed Wing & Rotary Gas Turbines

With turbine powered aircraft becoming more affordable, reliable and more readily available we now make it possible for you to receive expert training on set up, maintaining and flying both fixed wing and rotary gas turbine models.

We recognise the differences between flying traditional IC powered aircraft and turbine powered, we offer turbine conversion courses which allow you to understand what's required to use your existing skills in piloting a modern turbine powered aircraft. Alternatively you may want to sign up to one of our very popular Jet Experience Days. Click below for more information.

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BMFA Achievement Schemes

The BMFA (British Model Flying Association) is the body delegated by the Royal Aero Club to be responsible for all aspects of model flying in Great Britain and is also recognised as the sole representative organisation for the sport in the UK by the Federation Aeronauticque Internationale (FIA), which is the world wide governing body for all forms of sporting aviation including model flying.

The BMFA achievement schemes main aim is to encourage model flyers to reach a given standard of flying ability and safety, and to prove that standard to an examiner. There are two grades :-

• The "A" certificate which may be equated to a "safe solo" standard of flying.
• The "B" certificate which is designed to recognise the pilot's more advanced ability and a demonstrated level of safety suitable for flying at a public display.
  
• The "C" certificate (fixed wing only) which identifies a high level of ability for aerobatics and is available for those flyers who wish to take their personal flying standards and achievements further.

At Paul Heckles School of Flying we adopt all BMFA flying standards and guidelines when training students to prepare for the A and B certificates, When the student has reached the required level of ability, our BMFA Area Chief Examiner can advise you on the full requirements of the exam and will be only to happy to take you for your test. On passing the exam you will receive your BMFA certificate of achievement.

For more information on the BMFA please visit their web site -

www.bmfa.org

Experience Flights

Not sure whether radio control model flying is for you, or maybe you would like to try a new discipline before investing in the right equipment - The school provides a way to do this, for example you may be an accomplished fixed wing flyer and you would like to try your hand at helicopters using our latest equipment and training methods, we give you a way to try before you buy. Contact us for details.