We train you or your employees to become licensed drone pilots.
RBS Drone Technologies is a 100% African American Owned Business. Our founders and instructors are commercial pilots, US Military Veterans, former law enforcement officers and legacy members and leaders of the Chicago “DODO” Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Captain Kenneth Rapier, CEO
Captain Rapier is a FAA Certified Flight Instructor and co-founder of RBS Drone Technologies, Inc.
He is a licensed glider, single-engine, multi-engine and instrument airplanes instructor.
Rapier is an Airline Transport-rated pilot. He has logged over 5,000 flight hours. DC-9 airplane type-rated.
Rapier holds the world speed record from Palm Springs, CA to West Chicago IL (French Federation Aeronautique Internationale).
Ken is the current President of the Tuskegee Airman – Chicago “DODO” Chapter and a lead volunteer for the chapter’s monthly EAA Young Eagles flight rallies, which offer free airplane rides to youth ages 8 to 17 to expose them to the world of aviation.
Mark Thompson, COO
Sgt. Thompson has 26 years of experience in law enforcement with the Chicago Police Department, as a Sergeant working in Information Technology. He has a B.S. degree in Law Enforcement Management and an M.S. degree in Law Enforcement Administration. Sgt. Thompson is involved with various youth focused organizations across Chicagoland, including the Tuskegee Airman – Chicago “DODO” Chapter.
Edward Bassette, CFO
With a background in business and finance, Mr. Bassette is the CFO for RBS Drone Technologies. Mr. Bassette has served as an auditor for the State of Illinois as well as finance director in the hospital and construction industries. He is a longtime entrepreneur–the founder and owner of B Elegant Clothes for Men, a designer men’s clothing store for over 30 years.
Mr. Bassette is a staunch advocate and leader for youth education. He is a member of the Chicago “DODO” Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen and volunteers with the Young Eagles Program. He’s also been involved for years in youth education initiatives with the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, a professional organization of women in the field of education (his wife is a past assistant superintendent of schools.)
With RBS Drone Technologies, “we hope to talk to students at high schools and colleges about careers as a drone pilot (the minimum age is 16) and then to connect with businesses to sponsor their training and testing.”
Charlie Richardson, Jr., Business Development
Mr. Richardson is and aerospace quality engineer and the President and CEO of Quality and HR Consultants, Inc. He is active in organizations dedicated to inspiring youth, including the Tuskegee Airman – Chicago “DODO” Chapter.
Robert Moore, Licensed Commercial Drone Pilot and Professional Photographer/Videographer
Robert Moore is a certified commercial drone pilot. He has always enjoyed passing his knowledge on to other people, that’s why he became a teacher. At RBS Drone Technologies, Inc., he continues his joy of teaching by instructing the hands-on component of drone flying.
Mr. Moore is also a professional photographer/videographer. “Drones are the future, and I like to stay on top of technology,” says Moore. “This is a great place to combine technology with my background in photography.”
Along with his RBS colleagues, Mr. Moore is a member of the Tuskegee Airmen – Chicago “DODO” Chapter. “Drones are quite exciting! I want to open the eyes of people who may have never thought of this exciting career in the aviation industry.”
Derrick Henry, Instructor
Derrick Henry is a Chicago Public Schools teacher and a licensed drone pilot. That’s the perfect combination for his role as an instructor for RBS. Here he leads our commercial training as well as working with students in Chicago Public Schools. Derrick runs the after-school Drone Club at Air Force Academy High School. He is deeply committed to the students’ success, helping them with anything they need—from preparing for to pass the FAA Part 107 exam, to helping them get their state ID if that is the obstacle. Derrick is also a member of the Tuskegee Airman – Chicago “DODO” Chapter and is involved in the Young Eagles program.