Meet the Team
An organisation is only as good as the people in it and we have a pretty good bunch of people here at the flight centre.
Paul Heckles
Chief Instructor, Area Chief Examiner, and Owner
Paul set up Paul Heckles School of Flying in 2005 and has successfully taught many students helping them amongst other things to achieve ‘A’ & ‘B’ Certificates. Paul is also an Area Chief Examiner for the BMFA Western Area. 2013 sees a new direction for Paul who will be concentrating more on the Advanced Tuition at the newly named Paul Heckles Flight Centre as well as other projects such as using his vast expertise and knowledge working with Universities etc on more complex projects such as UAV’s and specialist research and development.
"Don't tell me - Show me"
"Did you get a receipt for that?"
Jan Anderson
Co-Ordinator and Gnat Technician
After 10 years as a Health and Safety advisor for the NHS Jan now jointly runs the PH Flight Centre with Paul, undertaking the administration and book-keeping side of the business. Jan is also a director of Gnatshoot UK Ltd, a sister company to the PH Flight Centre. As well being responsible for the administration and book-keeping for both businesses, Jan is also Gnat Technician at the at some of the Gnatshoot Events. Jan will be your main point of contact on the telephone or email and will get you booked into our diary system. Jan also shares Paul's keen interest in motorbikes and all things fast!!
Andrew Kayes
Instructor and Examiner
Andrew started modelling at an early age and works full time as a structural engineer in the aviation industry and also instructs at the weekends for the Flight Centre. Still finding time to enjoy flying his immaculate fleet of jets and helicopters he also builds models for Bennie van de Goor (AMT Turbines). Originally an instructor at ATS, Andrew has been instructing now for many, many years. Andrew is very experienced and competent in all disciplines of model flying and has also coached and examined many students to ‘A’ & ‘B’ certificates.
"It's not how close to the ground you get, but how precise you can fly"
"Heckles, don't break it again!"
Steve Hopkins
Professional Model Builder
Steve has been building and flying radio controlled fixed wing and helicopters since he was 14 years old. For the last seven years he has been building exclusively for the Flight Centre, in addition Steve also works with the team on corporate events. Steve undertakes all our customer builds and also fleet repairs. You will find examples of Steve's work in the Build / Repair section.!
Tony Brock
Instructor and Webmaster
Having founded Bumpy Green Model Aerodrome it was an article about ATS in 2002 that started a friendship with Paul and the school. Modelling since he was 12 years old, Tony brings an in-depth technical knowledge to many projects at the flight centre. Primarily responsible for the website, Tony is a part time instructor, Gnat technician and operates the camera in any aerial photography work. Having designed and built his own quadracopter he has a thorough understanding of UAV technologies and the legislation surrounding their operation.
"It only took off cos of the curvature of the earth"
".....you're not often right, but this time you're wrong."
Pete Woolley
Field Manager
Pete originally came to PH School of Flying as a student and flies both Fixed Wing and Helicopters very competently. Pete is now our Field Manager & keeps the runways and facilities in Tip-Top condition. Pete is a valued member of the team who you may meet on your visits to the Flight Centre. Watch out for his wicked sense of humour!!
About Us
Paul Heckles School of Flying became the Flight Centre in 2013 through a realisation that model training was only a small part of the services offered. Set in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside the centre offers all types of training on both fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
As well as individually tailored training the centre explains theory, offers a professional build / repair service and technical model setup.
Useful Links
Our Contacts
Draycot Farm Aerodrome
Near Chiseldon
Swindon, Wiltshire SN4 0HX
07866 599988