About Us

Navboys was initially formed to respond to a demand for good customer service and technical knowledge within the UK for the latest avionics from LXNAV. The business has grown from operating an online shop out of Shaun's living room, to its current professional workshop premises in Congleton, Cheshire. The online shop has grown along the way, constantly expanding, with the aim of creating a one-stop-shop for all glider pilots' needs. Whether you are on the market for the latest gliding tech, or looking for someone to help you with annual inspections, ARC renewals or upgrades and repairs on gliders - Navboys will be delighted to assist.

To see how we can help you, please visit our contact page.

If you would like to join our team - please see our careers page.

 
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Shaun Lapworth

BGA Inspector with ratings for self-sustainers + TMG

ARC Signatory

Shaun has been gliding for 17 years, has all three diamonds and is a keen club and national competition pilot. With a background in IT and an interest in navigation, starting a gliding  business seemed to be a natural choice. Shaun flies from Lasham but also likes to fly in South Africa where he holds the 500km British and Continental record at 175kph. Shaun is well known for his benevolence; he will always go out of his way to assist others with issues on the grid, and has continuously shown generosity when supporting junior pilots to get the equipment they need to achieve their full potential.

 

 

 
Jake Brattle

 

BGA Inspector with ratings for self-sustainers, TMG + composite repair

ARC Signatory

Jake started gliding after a trial flight at the age of 13 with the Kent Gliding Club and has never looked back. He moved to Nympsfield when he started his Aerospace Engineering Degree at the University of Bristol. This is where he caught the bug for racing in gliders. Jake has flown over 40 competitions and represented the British Team four times, winning the Junior World Gliding Championships in 2019. Jake started to build his workshop experience at Targett Aviation. Since moving to Navboys, Jake has built up his experience specialising in avionic installations and panel rebuilds. He is well known as being a 'go-to' person on the grid and is often seen with his head inside someone else's cockpit troubleshooting at weekends and competitions alike.

 

 

 
Dee Cooper

 

Sales and Support Manager

Dee started gliding at East Sussex Gliding Club in 2017, and after going solo aged 16 quickly progressed through the ranks to become a Duty Instructor. He has a keen interest in glider avionics and simulators, and became the go to person at Ringmer for any and all technical queries. He brings that experience to Navboys, and is the first point of contact for most sales and technical support queries. Dee also enjoys leisurely cross country gliding and aerobatics.