Bert Magbanua doing RC Flight Training at Apollo Airfield in Van Nuys, San Fernando Valley, CA


· Premium Drone Training & RC Flight Services
· Located in Southern California
· FAA Part 107 Certified

Fly Better.
Build Smarter.

RC FlightPath delivers expert flight training, expert flight tuning, custom drone builds, and autonomous systems integration for hobbyists, industrialists, and professionals in Southern California and beyond.

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FAA
Part 107 Licensed
& Insured
25+
Years RC build
& Flight Experience
FPV
Racing, Freestyle
& Long-Range
3D
Printing &
CAD Designing
Desk where we engineer solutions for VTOL, airplanes, helicopters and drones Beginner to Intermediate RC Flight Training Bert Magbanua tuning RC Helicopter at the field
RC aircraft in flight
About RC FlightPath

Your SoCal Expert for Flight Training, Builds & Drone Solutions

RC FlightPath is run by Bert Magbanua — FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot, competitive RC flyer, and drone systems engineer with over 15 years in the field. Based in Sunland, CA and operating out of several airfields across Southern California, Bert brings professional-grade expertise directly to hobbyists and commercial clients alike.

From teaching a first-timer the fundamentals of RC flight to engineering custom eVTOL platforms and integrating LiDAR-equipped autonomous systems, RC FlightPath covers the full spectrum. Bert's work has been featured on the Discovery Channel, and his competition credentials include the Xtreme Flight Championship in Muncie, IN.

Whether you want to learn to fly, upgrade your build, or develop a drone solution for a real-world application — RC FlightPath has the skills, tools, and track record to get you airborne the right way.

FAA Certified & InsuredPart 107 licensed, TRUST certified, and fully compliant with all airspace regulations.
Hands-On at your AirfieldPrimary training field with safe, structured airspace in Van Nuys, CA but we meet with other clients at remote airfields as well.
Fixed-Wing, Rotary & FPVProficient across all RC disciplines — trainers, aerobatics, racers, and autonomous UAVs.
Available Services

Everything RC & Drone, Under One Roof

Six integrated service areas built around the most in-demand skills in today's RC and commercial drone industry.

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RC & Drone Flight Training

Structured one-on-one instruction for all skill levels — from complete beginners to pilots seeking advanced aerobatics or precision flight articulation & navigation. Training covers fixed-wing, helicopter, and multirotor platforms using a student/trainer recovery system.

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"Buddy Box" Flight Training

A "buddy box" system links two RC transmitters (a "master" for the instructor and a "slave" for the student). It allows instructors to instantly hand over or seize aircraft control, making it the safest and fastest way for beginners to learn to fly without the risk of crashing.

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RC Simulator Flight Training

Using an RC simulator coupled w/a knowledgable instructor for training is the most effective way to build muscle memory, reduce expensive crashes, & learn control orientations in a zero-risk environment. Significantly shortens the learning curve before your 1st real-world flight.

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Custom Drone, Helicopter, and Plane Builds & Configuration

End-to-end design and construction of custom multirotors, racers, freestyle rigs, and long-range platforms. Includes frame selection, motor/ESC matching, FC setup (BetaFlight, ArduPilot, iNAV), PID tuning, and maiden flight verification. Built to your mission — not off a shelf.

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Autonomous Systems & UAV Integration

Full-stack autonomous UAV development using PixHawk, ArduPilot, MissionPlanner, and QGroundControl. Sensor integration (LiDAR, Sonar, IRLOCK), waypoint mission planning, failsafe configuration, and network interfaces between flight controllers and UNIX systems for global drone control.

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3D Printing & Custom Fabrication

CAD-designed and 3D-printed custom parts: payload release mechanisms, camera mounts, frame repairs, antenna brackets, and proprietary components. Seamlessly integrated with PixHawk and other FC systems. Functional fabrication built for field durability, not just aesthetics.

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Commercial vs. Hobbyist Training

Our lessons prepare people for real-world applications like commercial aerial cinematography, real estate mapping, or search and rescue preparation. These environments require situational awareness, air-traffic restriction awareness, precision flight articulation & navigation.

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The SoCal Flight Landscape

While primary training happens at Apollo XI Airfield in Van Nuys, we serve students across the greater Southern California area (Ventura, LA County, Orange County) who need to master complex SoCal airspace classes.

Flight Training

From First Contact to First Flight to Advanced Manuevers

A simple, structured process that gets you flying — or gets your RC or drone project off the ground — as efficiently as possible.

1

Free Consultation

We talk through your goals, current skill level, equipment, and project requirements. No obligation — just a clear picture of how RC FlightPath can help.

2

Skills Assessment

For training clients, we evaluate your current abilities in person or via simulator to place you in the right curriculum. For builds, we scope your mission profile.

3

Custom Plan

You receive a tailored training roadmap or project build spec — with clear milestones, recommended equipment, and a realistic timeline.

4

Hands-On Sessions

Training takes place at Apollo XI Airfield or your preferred site. Build projects are handled in-shop with progress updates and client checkpoints throughout.

5

Fly with Confidence

Graduate with real skills and airworthy equipment. Ongoing support, tune-ups, and advanced sessions available as you continue to grow as a pilot.

The RC FlightPath Difference

Why Pilots & Builders Choose Us

Our Knowledge, Professionalism, Experience and credentials that go far beyond a weekend hobby — brought to you at a personal, one-on-one level.

Advanced 3D Manuever training at apollo airfield


Beginner RC helicopter training in the field
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Discovery Channel Featured

Our drone work was highlighted in the Discovery Channel documentary "How Drones Help People" (2016) — a testament to the real-world impact of his autonomous systems development.

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Competitive Flight Credentials (25+ Yrs)

Competed at the Xtreme Flight Championship (XFC) in Muncie, IN and the Align Las Vegas Ultimate Competition & Fun-Fly. Served as demo and test pilot for nationally reviewed RC media.

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15+ Years Professional Engineering

Spearheaded drone R&D at Cheetah Software Inc. for over 14 years — building long-range autonomous delivery platforms, multi-state flight operations, and FAA-compliant UAV programs from scratch.

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FAA Part 107 Certified & Insured

Licensed since 2018 (recertified 2023) and fully insured. Operations are conducted in full compliance with FAA airspace rules, altitude limits, and proximity guidelines.

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Patient, Structured Instruction

Training is broken into manageable maneuver sets with simulator prep, field coaching, and a student/trainer recovery system — so you build real skills safely, at your own pace.

Get in Touch

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Book a session, ask about a build, or just say hello. we respond promptly to all inquiries from the Southern California and beyond.

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Base of Operations
Sunland, CA 91040
Primary Field: Apollo XI Airfield, Van Nuys, CA
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Phone / Text
(805) 857-4180
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Availability
Flexible scheduling — weekdays & weekends
Field sessions by appointment
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Schedule a Session or Inquiry