Not a Pilot Factory.
A Flight School Built Around You.
At Desert Skies Aviation, we don't create cookie-cutter pilots — we help you become the aviator you've always wanted to be, whether you're flying for career or freedom.
The Desert Skies Story
I grew up just a few miles from Falcon Field, watching planes cut across the sky and knowing — deep down — that I had to be up there someday. That pull to fly isn't something you learn; it's something you feel. If you know, you know.
I built Desert Skies Aviation for people who feel that same pull. This isn't a pilot factory churning out cookie-cutter checkride robots. It's a flight school built around you — your goals, your style, your pace. Whether you're chasing an airline career or just want the freedom to fly on your own terms, we tailor every lesson to fit the kind of pilot you want to become.
Our instructors are more than just teachers — we're working pilots, mentors, and the kind of people who actually care about where you're headed. At Desert Skies, you're not just logging hours — you're learning how to think, fly, and own every moment you're in the air.
If you want training that treats you like a future captain, not a student ID — welcome to Desert Skies. Let's fly.
Thomas Ferrier
Founder & Chief Flight Instructor
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Built Around You, Not a Syllabus
At Desert Skies, we believe in tailoring flight training to the individual. This isn't a pilot factory — it's a place where your unique goals, learning style, and pace are what shape your journey to becoming the pilot you want to be.
- Real-World Skills
We believe real-world skills are just as important — if not more so — than passing a check ride. Our training prepares you for every type of airspace, scenario, and real-world complexity you'll encounter as a pilot.
- More Than Just Teachers
Our instructors are working pilots, mentors, and people who genuinely care about your aviation journey. We're invested in your success and focused on helping you achieve your specific flying goals.
- Your Goals, Your Pace
Whether you're pursuing an airline career or flying for personal freedom, we tailor training to fit your aspirations. At Desert Skies, you're not a student ID — you're a future captain on your own unique journey.
TRAINING APPROACH
From First Flight to Career Ready
Our instruction style is active, scenario-driven, and hands-on — developing decision-making skills and PIC authority from day one.
Flight Instruction
- Private Pilot Certificate Training
- Instrument Rating Training
- Commercial Pilot Certificate Training
- Multi-Engine Rating Training
- CFI and CFII Training
- In-Depth Ground School (In-Person & Virtual)
Specialty Training
- Tailwheel Proficiency Training
- Mountain and High-Altitude Operations
- Cross-Country Mastery and Advanced Navigation
- Real-World ATC Communications Workshops
- Career Path Counseling for Pilots
- Full-Service Check Ride Preparation
THE SOUTHWEST ADVANTAGE
Train in Arizona's Diverse Airspace
Every flight at Desert Skies offers a unique challenge—from high-altitude training over Sedona to cross-country desert journeys. Training in the Phoenix metropolitan area's busy airspace gives our students a remarkable edge in communication and situational awareness that pilots from quieter regions simply don't develop. Here, the environment actively shapes your training: high density altitude, mountain winds, complex airspace, and high-traffic patterns combine to forge pilots prepared for any conditions they'll encounter.
FLEET & PARTNERSHIPS
Access to Diverse Aircraft Through Our Partners
You're only as good as your tools, and our fleet gives you every advantage. From stable and forgiving trainers to aircraft that demand precision and respect, we fly the planes that make pilots better.
Our Innovative Model
Desert Skies Aviation deliberately avoids owning or leasing its own aircraft fleet. Instead, we utilize a flexible, innovative model by partnering with well-established flight clubs across the Phoenix metropolitan area and beyond.
Benefits include
- Access to diverse fleets and aircraft types
- Training at different airports across the Valley
- Professional maintenance standards
- Reduced costs and competitive pricing
Our Partner Clubs
Student pilots will need to join one of our partner flight clubs prior to beginning training. These clubs offer the best value in the Phoenix area, with well-maintained aircraft and affordable membership rates.
Feel That Pull to the Sky?
Let's Fly Together.
If you've ever watched planes overhead and felt that undeniable pull — you belong here. At Desert Skies, we don't just train pilots; we help you become the aviator you've always known you could be.