Become a Pilot with Red Arrow

Your Cessna Pilot Training Center in Santa Teresa, NM

Cessna Pilot Center Logo Purdue Global Logo Department of Veterans Affairs Logo Department of Veterans Affairs Logo
CFI gazes into the rotating propellers of a Cessna 172 at Red Arrow Flight Academy

Our Flight Training

Navigate the skies with confidence through Red Arrow Flight Academy's tailored training programs.

At Red Arrow, we have accelerated and flexible training programs to accommodate your unique schedule and goals. Each program will be a blend of simulator and hands-on training. Immerse yourself in a transformative learning experience that prepares you for a future in aviation from private pilot to Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Many of our graduates have moved on to the airlines and other exciting career opportunities.

Explore Our Training
CFI and student pilot in front of a Cessna 172 at the Dona Ana County International Jetport (KDNA)

How to Become a Pilot

It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

Embark on the exciting journey to becoming a pilot with Red Arrow Flight Academy by following these structured steps:

  1. Sign Up: Enroll in Red Arrow's Private Pilot Program to receive comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience guided by seasoned instructors.
  2. Train: Immerse yourself in hands-on flight training and Red Arrow's tailored ground school education, gaining expertise in navigation, weather, radio communications, and regulations.
  3. Pass the Exams: Successfully complete the FAA written exam, a practical flight test with a FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), and receive your Private Pilot Certificate. This achievement marks the beginning of further advancements in your aviation evolution.

By choosing our structured approach to pilot training, you’ll soon be up in the air on your own, and closer to succeeding in your aviation goals than ever before.

Book a Discovery Flight
Fleet of Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion helicopters over KDNA at Red Arrow Flight Academy

Military/Rotor Transition Training

As the sole Part 141 certified flight school in the region, we specialize in training programs tailored for military students.

Our military-focused offerings include:

  • Fixed-Wing Add-On Programs: Designed specifically for individuals with helicopter military experience seeking to add fixed-wing aviation qualifications, these programs ensure a smooth transition to civilian flight training. We offer add-on training for Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot Certificate.
  • GI Bill®: The following programs are approved by the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services, State Approving Agency for VA education benefits under the GI Bill: Instrument, Commercial, and CFI ratings.

    GI Bill® is a Registered Trademark of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the U.S. government website: https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/

  • Army Credentialing Assistance: Through Credentialing Assistance offered by the Army and Air Force, military students can receive financial support for aviation education with funds ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 annually.

Coming from Fort Bliss? Check out our military transition page below!

Visit Our Military Page

Can You Become a Pilot?

Take our quiz and learn what it takes

Becoming a pilot can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Take our quick quiz to find out what kind of instruction you prefer, how you might approach flight training, and see if flight lessons with Red Arrow are for you.

International Student Programs and Services

For international students and foreign pilot licenses.

Red Arrow Flight Academy welcomes aspiring pilots from around the world. Our International Program is meticulously designed to offer a seamless experience for students seeking to earn their wings regardless of their country of origin. Situated in a border city, Red Arrow is uniquely positioned to serve not only El Paso but also our neighbors in Juarez, Mexico, and beyond.

Our international-focused offerings include:

  • M-1 Student Visa & Training Request Procedures: Non-U.S. citizens seeking flight training for a certificate or rating in the United States are required to obtain an M-1 student visa. Our team will provide you with step-by-step guidance on how to obtain your visa.
  • Conversion of Foreign Licenses to FAA Certifications: Already a pilot in another country? Our streamlined process makes obtaining an FAA certificate based on a foreign license easy, opening doors to additional career opportunities in the United States. With an in-house FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), we provide simple assistance in processing your application.
International Program
The Red Arrow Academy Team at Dona Ana County International Jetport (KDNA)

We Are Red Arrow Flight Academy

Meet our elite team of CFIs and staff dedicated to your success.

We are committed to professionally getting you into the air as fast and safely as possible. As a leading center for aviation training, we take pride in our global partnerships while remaining deeply committed to creating professional and proficient pilots from our region - El Paso, Santa Teresa, Las Cruces, and surrounding areas. We guide our students from zero pilot training to comfortably navigating the skies with our expert team and long-standing history.

Join us to experience the Red Arrow difference in your training today.

Why Red Arrow?

Still looking for more information on pilot training?

Get Your FREE Quick Start Guide!

We have a free booklet which explains everything you need to know for your pilot certificate.

Red Arrow Flight Academy Quick Start Guide

What Our Students Say

Had a wonderful experience on my intro flight. The instructor was great. Got to actually fly, will never forget it. Would highly recommend it.

Ximena Rodriguez

I obtained my private pilot license at red arrow. It is by far the best aviation school in the southwest region. The staff is super knowledgeable and the instructors are superbly educated. I went to many additional schools before finishing here. Red Arrow is the perfect explanation on how a school can become a second home. Love it. Don’t look elsewhere.

DAVID ROJAS MEI

Red Arrow Flight Academy has been an amazing experience, the staff is extremely helpful, and welcoming. The instructors are very experienced and knowledgeable. There is a structural and comprehensive curriculum, and the service is professional and personalized. I highly recommend this school to anyone pursuing any certificate in aviation!

Danielle Nelson

Excellent experience from start to finish with this crew. No doubt the best facility, flight instructors, staff, airplane fleet, and training simulators in the area. I got my PPL (Private Pilot License) at this flight school and I couldn't have asked for a better introduction into the world of aviation.

Vanessa Martinez

Tomas and her staff are professionals and makes you feel comfortable. The school is clean and has what you need. Highly recommended for first time flyers or if you're trying to make a career of it.

Darisabel Roman

Top notch place to learn to fly. Started there with zero hours all the way through PPL. When and if I ever come back to El Paso, this is the only place I’ll go for flight training.

stoute64

Amazing experience for my 16 year-old and future pilot!

Vanessa Merica

All of the Red Arrow crew are consummate professionals with a most impressive record of producing private pilots. An excellent learning environment and a whole lot of fun! Call to book your intro flight today.

Eddie Ortega

Great school, very friendly and experienced staff and instructors, highly recommend it. Great and fun place to learn to fly!

Nick Neufeld

Had a wonderful experience on my intro flight. The instructor was great. Got to actually fly, will never forget it. Would highly recommend it.

Ximena Rodriguez

I obtained my private pilot license at red arrow. It is by far the best aviation school in the southwest region. The staff is super knowledgeable and the instructors are superbly educated. I went to many additional schools before finishing here. Red Arrow is the perfect explanation on how a school can become a second home. Love it. Don’t look elsewhere.

DAVID ROJAS MEI

Red Arrow Flight Academy has been an amazing experience, the staff is extremely helpful, and welcoming. The instructors are very experienced and knowledgeable. There is a structural and comprehensive curriculum, and the service is professional and personalized. I highly recommend this school to anyone pursuing any certificate in aviation!

Danielle Nelson

Excellent experience from start to finish with this crew. No doubt the best facility, flight instructors, staff, airplane fleet, and training simulators in the area. I got my PPL (Private Pilot License) at this flight school and I couldn't have asked for a better introduction into the world of aviation.

Vanessa Martinez

Tomas and her staff are professionals and makes you feel comfortable. The school is clean and has what you need. Highly recommended for first time flyers or if you're trying to make a career of it.

Darisabel Roman

Top notch place to learn to fly. Started there with zero hours all the way through PPL. When and if I ever come back to El Paso, this is the only place I’ll go for flight training.

stoute64

Amazing experience for my 16 year-old and future pilot!

Vanessa Merica

All of the Red Arrow crew are consummate professionals with a most impressive record of producing private pilots. An excellent learning environment and a whole lot of fun! Call to book your intro flight today.

Eddie Ortega

Great school, very friendly and experienced staff and instructors, highly recommend it. Great and fun place to learn to fly!

Nick Neufeld

Had a wonderful experience on my intro flight. The instructor was great. Got to actually fly, will never forget it. Would highly recommend it.

Ximena Rodriguez

I obtained my private pilot license at red arrow. It is by far the best aviation school in the southwest region. The staff is super knowledgeable and the instructors are superbly educated. I went to many additional schools before finishing here. Red Arrow is the perfect explanation on how a school can become a second home. Love it. Don’t look elsewhere.

DAVID ROJAS MEI

Red Arrow Flight Academy has been an amazing experience, the staff is extremely helpful, and welcoming. The instructors are very experienced and knowledgeable. There is a structural and comprehensive curriculum, and the service is professional and personalized. I highly recommend this school to anyone pursuing any certificate in aviation!

Danielle Nelson

Excellent experience from start to finish with this crew. No doubt the best facility, flight instructors, staff, airplane fleet, and training simulators in the area. I got my PPL (Private Pilot License) at this flight school and I couldn't have asked for a better introduction into the world of aviation.

Vanessa Martinez

Tomas and her staff are professionals and makes you feel comfortable. The school is clean and has what you need. Highly recommended for first time flyers or if you're trying to make a career of it.

Darisabel Roman

Top notch place to learn to fly. Started there with zero hours all the way through PPL. When and if I ever come back to El Paso, this is the only place I’ll go for flight training.

stoute64

Amazing experience for my 16 year-old and future pilot!

Vanessa Merica

All of the Red Arrow crew are consummate professionals with a most impressive record of producing private pilots. An excellent learning environment and a whole lot of fun! Call to book your intro flight today.

Eddie Ortega

Great school, very friendly and experienced staff and instructors, highly recommend it. Great and fun place to learn to fly!

Nick Neufeld

Contact Us

Reach Out to Red Arrow

Let's Get You In The Air

Doña Ana County International Jetport (KDNA)
8063 Airport Rd
Santa Teresa, NM 88008
7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
All other times by appointment