I got my tailwheel endorsement with Michael, and couldn't be happier about it. As a relatively new pilot, I really felt both safe and secure while able to make mistakes that let me understand the consequences of those mistakes. It was a really great learning experience and made me a tremendously better pilot. The Decathlon is a great plane to fly, and everything was managed very well. It was easy to get setup and get the lessons scheduled. I knew tailwheel would be challenging, and it was, but I really enjoyed myself and had a ton of fun. Landing on a dry lake bed was amazing--can't wait to fly more with Cactus! read more

Fantastic flight school with competitive pricing and aircraft kept very well maintained. Cooper at the front desk is so helpful and a joy to talk to. read more

My wife gave me a gift certificate for a "discovery flight." I redeemed it this morning with one of the great instructors at Cactus, Ty Luce. Ty is very knowledgeable and yet easy-going. He walked me through a preflight check, explained the instruments, told me about our flight, and then helped me learn how to pilot the aircraft. Ty let me fly a few minutes at a time during this first flight which was very fun. We had some serious wind (gusts to 20) so Ty did all the landing while I watched from the copilot seat. He landed us gently and I was very impressed. read more

See all

After going through 2 flight schools it's safe to say I have found my place at cactus aviation. ALL and I mean ALL the instructors actually help you and care about you. If you are looking to go from zero hours to commercial this is definitely the place where you should start! They have been amazing to me and I can't stress it enough! Thank you for pushing me to accomplish my goals and dreams to all staff at cactus aviation the journey has been amazing with you guy's! read more

I would give no star if I could on this place.I have to say the girl at the front desk was super nice and I have no complaint about her rather the CFI's and other people who work there. I was scheduled to do my FAA written test as a Private Pilot today and unfortunately I failed my test partly due to the testing site itself. From the beginning of my test I noticed that, there is a room where we are going to get tested yet the wall isn't all the way to the ceiling and there is some sort of break area at the other side of that wall.I voiced my problem and I was told to put a noise cancellation headset on.Well, that didn't help nor made any difference. People were obnoxious and very loud and regardless we asked them to be a bit more respectful because we are being tested there, they didn't care a bit. Just imagine you have to do a 2 hour written test with calculating several things and trying to be focused while people having a "party" literally behind you in the next "room" with a paper wall between that doesn't even go all the way to the ceiling. I also made a formal complaint at PSI so they can close this site due to inadequate place for testing. I decided to make this comment so others will never ever consider taking their future FAA tests here. Don't waste your money ($175) to pass a test where the place is not even quiet. I would feel ashamed as Cactus Aviation owner, if I had employees or certified flight instructors who doesn't even respect the future pilots or instructors who are being tested in their workplace location. Make better decisions and do a better research and avoid this place with all costs as a testing site. Cheers! read more

Amazing!!!! Best flight school in town! The owner and his wife are hands on and always there to help with what ever we need. I have never been at a flight school that is so on top of maintenance and so the planes are always in top top shape! Highly recommend! read more

Awesome place!! I came to Cactus as an out-of-towner in a tough spot. I got an instructor and a schedule within 24 hours of reaching out and passed a private check ride a week later! Great atmosphere, Cactus leaves room for enjoyment in their flight training which is a big plus. Branden's done a good job finding instructors/staff that instill that attitude while still being productive. Planes are well-maintained, good airport to fly out of. Instructor Sam and I immediately got along and got to work, I had plenty of confidence I would knock out the check ride when I needed it. I'll be back in town soon and look forward to flying with Cactus again. Hopefully I get to see the 172 they won from Cessna when I return! read more

Currently I am a pilot for a major airline for the last 25 years. I wanted to get a "Private SE land" add-on to my pilot license. I'm prior military so never did receive that qualification. I went to Cactus Aviation since they are under new ownership and management. I had numerous questions and some apprehension since I hadn't flown a small single engine airplane for over 30 years. I flew with two instructors, Sam and Chad and they both did an outstanding job!! Their demeanor, knowledge and professionalism put me at ease right away. My category was unique, and it created many questions about requirements etc. They were able to provide the best training for me, both for the oral and flight evaluation. All of the staff I came in contact with, including the new owner Branden, were very professional and easy to work with. I successfully completed my training and flight eval last week and give them my highest recommendation for any flight training. read more

This place is a mess. And it's sad because it has such great potential to be a good flight School. When you shop for a flight school the first thing you do is go in and just get a "vibe" fir the place. I have been in there several times and each time I've been totally ignored and had to track someone down for any service at all. It feels like they really do not want your business and do not want to make any money. It's the oddest thing. I hope in the future they find someone to run that place and focus on reliable customer service. All the pieces appear to be there but nobody seems to really care to put it all together. read more

Outstanding facility, great aircraft, clean and professional, knowledgeable and very helpful team. Can't say enough good, and I've been around MANY flight schools on the past 20 years. The testing facility was quiet, ear plugs, paper, pen, books, protractor, calculator all in working order. My review was downgraded due to no return on several phone calls and emails over the course of a week. I was disappointed that in providing two forms of federal-issued ID, my drivers license was requested. Driver's license has a name error that I pointed out, and my two Federal ID's are correct. It was pointed out at the testing center, but may have been forgotten. The IACRA site makes it virtually impossible to fix any typo's or spelling errors once the report is turned into PSI, so be DAMN sure the testing center has your name correct before leaving/them registering the report. read more

Awesome school with awesome instructors! I just took my first flight with Andy and it was something I highly recommend doing!!

We met our pilot, Andrew, at Cactus Aviation for a trip to see Red Rock Canyon. Our entire experience was first-rate. The flight was enjoyable in every way. Andrew was a professional with personality plus. We felt comfortable and safe. I would recommend this service, and Andrew, to anyone looking for a fun few hours with a different view of Vegas and the surrounding desert area. read more

Took my first lesson today great experience. Andrew made the flight very relaxing and fun.

There are other places, don't let this one take your money. The instructors are horrible, either they're nice and inexperienced, or experienced and extremely rude. Those are basically your only options. If you get the nice ones, you may not notice your poor choice in choosing this place until it's too late. Thus, you may be duped by all the good reviews here for demo flights; those people haven't had enough experience with this place to realize it's horrible and not conducive to good flight training. read more

I am a Professional Pilot, I have to maintain currency to be able to fly. Since I am not currently employed as a Pilot I must pay for currency out of my own pocket. I have used Cactus Aviation for a couple of years. I have rented their aircraft and, until recently, haven't had any issues with Cactus. The school used to have a nice Cherokee 180 that I rented. The price was $119 per hour. In the last year, the aircraft rental price has skyrocketed, at Cactus. They are now renting a Piper Archer for $158.00 hours including a fuel surcharge. Why is their a fuel surcharge now that fuel prices have stabilized? I can understand having the charge when fuel prices are volatile, however, that is not currently the situation. I am giving the School 2 stars because, of the following reasons: * Rental/Training Contract is too restrictive (in my opinion). * They removed an aircraft from the fleet without notifying current renters (me) of the change. * Because of the change in aircraft, renter will now have to hire a flight instructor to get checked out for a touch screen GPS. I have used Flight Management Systems in Jets. A touch screen GPS is not rocket science. Why not jgive the renter the GPS manual and let him/her learn about the GPS by studying the manufactures instructions? Isn't that what the aircraft owner would have to do if he added the GPS to his aircraft? If, the renter feels he needs instruction they could ask for special training on the GPS. To conclude, Cactus Aviation has lost me, as a customer, due to aircraft price acceleration, and imposed mandatory training not mandated, nor required, by the FAA. (A formerly satisfied customer, now dissatisfied.) My suggestion, look at all the flight schools in the area. Check their contracts, prices, and policies, before you rent. read more

This is about the testing facility.... I went in today to take an Faa now ledge exam, I'm a CATS proctor, and they use laser grade. A note about laser grade, it's annoying contrasting blue screen (like the windows blue screen of death) and white letters. I'm not a fan, but that's neither here nor there.... Ok, so I come in, perfect little candidate I know the drill. I give them my expired test score (they didn't ask for it) and then the shocker come....$168.15...HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL!!!!!!! Almost $20 more than the other places?!?!hey this is aviation, and I'm an instructor, do you know what I could do for $20?!? I'm dirt poor!!! Ahhhh!!! Im still so heart broken about this. Like, I'm tearing up as I write this. Ok...the shock wore off, I go in, I get no explanation to how the system works (I figured it out, but still!!) uh... The testing room is noisy. I could clearly hear talking about pay checks this week, and doors slamming...I was not offered ear plugs (if there were some, I was too busy being blasted by the bright blue screen) So.....I finish, get my score report, leave head hung low over money lost... And make it to north town and look at my score sheet... The take count was WRONG. Again, I'm a proctor, I filled out the form with the proper count, I filled it alllll out, but it was wrong?!? So I call them, they argue with me and tell me they're right. I call laser grade who confirms IM right...ni have to call them AGAIN and inform them, hey! I'm right! 1/4 of gas later I'm back sitting in their lobby patiently waiting for my proper score report. And.... I don't recall getting an apology. How about my $18.15!?! I'm NOT taking another test there, I'll put the $20 in my gas tank!ugh. read more

This review is for TESTING facilities only. I recently completed one of the written tests at Cactus. They have walk-in hours (I still called ahead, just to make sure) and have everything you need to complete the testing, which was very convenient. They use LaserGrade testing system and all of the test cubicles are in a separate room, so it's fairly quiet. If there are other customers in the shop who are being noisy, you can hear them but the staff offers you earplugs. All of the staff who answered the phone were courteous and friendly, and the gentleman who was in the office during my test was helpful, friendly, and explained everything very well. No military discount for testing and no other discounts were offered. The facilities were clean and easy to find. read more

I recently used Cactus Aviation to wrap up my CFI. From the written exam which was laser grade to the ground/flight training, my over all experience was very good. My instructor (mike) was a very knowledgable and professional instructor and was very good at critiquing as well as keeping me informed of my progress. They have a great fleet which is very helpful financially and worked well with me to organize a good plan of action. The other flight instructors were friendly and the environment was relaxed which to me is important for flight training. I would encourage anyone to at least take a visit to Cactus Aviation and meet the staff. read more

Cactus Aviation - The PA28R after a great flight for CFI training. - Flight Instruction Near Me - Henderson, Nevada

I bought a Groupon for my husband for one hour flight lesson. His pilot was Kanika. She allowed me to go to the plane with them, even though I wasn't going up in the air. She showed us all the prep work that goes into flying a plane, allowed me to take her photo and she took our photo. She was knowledgeable, friendly and enthusiastic. My husband learned a lot on his one hour lesson and he had a blast. I think I had just as much fun on the ground, because Terry (van driver) drove me as close as he could to their plane when they were about to take off. Terry even turned up the radio so I'd be able to hear the control tower talking to my husband and Kanika. I knew my husband was loving the experience and for me to have the opportunity to witness it even closer than I expected to, I was nearly in tears with gratitude. The experience was one we will never forget, partly due to the sheer miracle of flight, but a lot to do with Kanika and Terry. They are both great people with a lot of heart. Thank you for such a memorable experience! read more

Disappointing Flight school...initially I stopped by another flight school at the Henderson Executive airport, only to find them closed on the day of my visit. So, wanting to continue my flight training, I looked for another school - hence Cactus Aviation. The first person I met was a truly helpful employee named Jordan. Amazing guy, a benefit to any organization. Actually, most of the staff is decent. It's their policies and lack of openness that merit this rating. I explained my goals - private pilot, instrument, commercial and multi-engine ratings. So, i would be spending a lot of money there. However, if they would have told me they only had two planes to really train on, there is no way I would have ever been there. Sure, you can pay as you go for an exorbitant rate, or join their club for a lot. So, I picked the midpoint- placing $2500 down. I flew for a month, several times per week, only to be unable to get any flight time for the previous month. When I complained that either there is no plane or no CFIs available, the response was "No refund. Just sell your balance to another student." Like I interact with other student pilots?!? So, basically I have $700+ on account and no way to get time. Tried signing up for time in January. No luck. This place sucks. I would highly recommend future students to save the headaches and check out other organizations. read more

I love these guys! I got a Groupon and my first appointment it was too windy and they decided to honor my deal because it expired two days prior. Ricky was my instructor and he was amazing and I actually got to fly a plane! you won't regret it, try it it's amazing! read more

I used to be a student pilot with Cactus, and I am very happy I do not waste my money here any more. In the beginning, the staff was very friendly and welcoming. However, as my training progressed, the unprofessionalism was revealed. During ground school sessions, I would hear instructors swear, gossip, and talk poorly about the students they had during the day. Behind closed doors (not too closed since I was a student still in the room), the CFIs don't seem to have any genuine interest in advancing their students. Other students who have come here have expressed their concerns about Cactus' CFIs prolonging training in order to make more money and build more hours off of them. I can agree with this since on several occasions while performing maneuvers in the airplane, I would look over at my instructor and find him nose deep in his phone. Yet, somehow without paying attention to any of the maneuvers, he had a lot of criticism to give me once we landed. As long as I can help it, I will never return to Cactus Aviation. read more

Great team of professionals. Airplanes are clean and well maintained. I will charter with them on next trip to Las Vegas

I just took my first ever flight lesson for a private pilots license. The staff and my instructor have been very professional, kind and most importantly knowledgable. I felt safe throughout the whole process from ground checkout to landing. I am looking forward to continuing my pilot education here. read more

I HIGHLY recommend! My 14 yr old son and I went up and our Pilot/Instructor was SO amazing with my son.