Hello my name is Rick and I am the President of Desert Wings Flight School. I am a mechanical engineer and senior principal at a leading engineering firm, and I have been a private pilot since 1989. I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and have called Arizona home since 1997. Aviation has always been a personal passion. I am a past president of the Falcon Flying Club, a nonprofit supporting youth in aviation, and a partner in a Stearman based at Falcon Field. In my spare time, I’m currently building a Vans RV-10. Desert Wings Flight School was founded with a clear mission: to offer premier flight training led by some of the most experienced and dedicated certified flight instructors and to provide additional multi-engine instruction options in the local area. Whether your goal is to earn your private pilot certificate for recreational flying or pursue a professional aviation career, we’re here to help you take flight.

Hello my name is Jacob, I am the Director of Operations, and Chief Flight Instructor for Desert Wings Flight School with over 2,500 hours of flight time. I am an Airline Transport Pilot, CFI, and CFII. I grew up in San Diego, CA, and began my flight training right here at Falcon Field in Mesa. I fly for a local 135 charter operation. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and exploring Arizona. I volunteer as a flight instructor with the Aviation Explorers, and I serve as the president of the Falcon Flying Club, a non profit organization supporting youth in aviation. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals in aviation at Desert Wings Flight School!

Hello, my name is Sal Nasta and I am one of Desert Wings Multi-Engine and Single-Engine instructors. I have over 1700 flight hours as well as my CFI, CFII, and MEI. I am a 28 year old Arizona native with a wife and growing family! Before flying I was a Fire Fighter for a Local Fire Department for about 4 years before deciding to switch gears and become a professional pilot. My goal is to be with a major 121 carrier like Southwest Airlines or American Airlines. In my free time I like to work on cars, spend time with my family, and challenge myself to try new hobbies. I look forward to seeing you around and hopefully being your guide to reach your aviation goals at Desert Wings Flight School.

Hi my name is Kathryn Arndt but everyone knows me as “Dolly.” I am one of Desert Wings Flight Instructors. I have a little over 1200 hours and I am a CFI and CFII. I am 28 years old, born and raised in Arizona. Before I started flying, I attended Utah State University and have my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology with the intention of becoming a Physician’s Assistant. After deciding the medical field wasn’t for me I decided to switch career paths and pursue aviation. I enjoy teaching and I’m excited to help you pursue your own aviation goals at Desert Wings Flight School.

Hello everyone, my name is Isaac, I am the lead CFI and Multi Engine instructor at Desert Wings and I have over 1,800 hours. I am 24 years old, and I am from Gilbert, Arizona! My goal is to work for a charter company and fly a PC12. I am also the Chief CFI for the Aviation Explorers, which offers flight instruction to youth with volunteer CFIs. In my free time I enjoy making pizzas and playing the harmonica! I look forward to continuing to teach people how fun flying is at Desert Wings Flight School!

Hi! My name is Sam, I am a Gold Seal CFI/CFII at Desert Wings Flight School, with over 1,800 hours of flight time. I was born and raised in Arizona, and started flight training in 2021 right here at Falcon Field! My goal is to eventually go to the airlines and work for Southwest. In my free time I enjoy traveling, going to the beach, concerts and flying! I look forward to continuing to inspire future pilots and help create the new generation of pilots here at Desert Wings!!

I am Dennis Haworth and I am a CFI who loves to teach people how to fly and introduce them to aviation. I started flying in 1990 and I am an instructor at a major airline teaching Airbus A320 systems and procedures to airline pilots. I love giving back and volunteering with the Aviation Explorers Post 352 at Falcon Field as a CFI and Director of Operations. I also volunteer with Scouting as an Assistant Scoutmaster and as a K9 Search and Rescue Technician with the Sheriff's Office. I would love to take you up for a flight and show you the wonder of aviation. Let's go fly!