The People Behind Red Arrow

McKayla, a native of Utah now residing in El Paso, Texas, is a dedicated and ambitious individual who values hard work and continuous learning. Although she has yet to fly in an airplane, McKayla has developed a strong passion for aviation and actively seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge in the field. Her fascination with aviation is driven by a deep curiosity about the industry, and she is always exploring ways to better understand its complexities and innovations.

Outside of her professional pursuits, McKayla enjoys spending quality time with her partner and their dog. She is passionate about a variety of hobbies, including training her dog, amateur gardening, playing the saxophone, and weightlifting. McKayla takes pride in maintaining an active lifestyle and strives to balance personal growth with her professional development, always eager to discover new interests and challenges along the way.

Born and raised in the sunshine state of Florida, Rob's heart has always belonged to the open skies. His journey through aviation began in the welcoming skies of Georgia, where he learned to master the art of flight. With every takeoff and landing, his passion for aviation soared to new heights. Rob's unwavering love for the skies led him down the path of becoming an instructor, a role he embraced wholeheartedly. Sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring aviators became his mission, and his dedication to the craft of teaching is a testament to his commitment to aviation.

Beyond his role in the world of aviation, Rob takes pride in being a loving father and a distinguished Air Force veteran. His experience in the Air Force undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping his aviation journey, instilling in him the values of discipline, dedication, and precision.

In addition to his instructional role, Rob also serves as a professor at El Paso Community College, further contributing to the education and development of future aviation enthusiasts. Among the many aircraft that have graced his aviation journey, one holds a special place in his heart - N4106C. This aircraft represents not just a machine but a vessel of dreams, adventure, and countless stories written in the skies.

Rob's impressive credentials include CFI, CFII, and MEI ratings, showcasing his mastery of multiple facets of flight. As our Assistant Chief Flight Instructor, he continues to inspire and guide aspiring pilots, nurturing their dreams and shaping the future of aviation. Rob is a steadfast member of the team, and his journey continues to inspire those who follow his flight path.

Gilbert, a seasoned aviator and retired First Lieutenant from the Mexican Air Force, has dedicated his career to the field of aviation. After an illustrious service in the military, he transitioned to civilian life and embarked on a new chapter in the United States.

In 2015, Gilbert made a strategic move to El Paso, Texas, where he set his sights on conquering the skies in a different capacity. His journey began initially as a commercial pilot specializing in general aviation and corporate jets. With his vast experience and unwavering commitment to excellence, Gilbert quickly became a respected figure in the aviation community.

Driven by a desire to share his wealth of knowledge, Gilbert took on the role of a Flight Instructor in 2019. As a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), he finds fulfillment in guiding aspiring aviators through the intricate process of obtaining their certificates and realizing their aviation aspirations. His dedication to fostering a new generation of skilled pilots is evident in his patient and meticulous approach to instruction.

Gilbert's passion for aviation extends beyond the cockpit; it is a commitment to shaping the future of the industry. Through his mentorship and guidance, he continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the next wave of skilled and safety-conscious pilots. In his current role as a CFII, Gilbert embodies the values of discipline, professionalism, and a genuine love for the art of flying.

With a career spanning both military and civilian sectors, Gilbert's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and an enduring passion for aviation. Whether soaring through the skies or imparting knowledge on the ground, he remains a beacon of inspiration for those who aspire to reach new heights in the world of aviation.

Shane Lipson began flying in 2000 while living in New York City. His first discovery flight, around the Statue of Liberty, had him hooked into aviation and he quickly progressed through training to become a CFII. Shortly after the World Trade Center attack in 2001, he joined the Civil Air Patrol as a volunteer pilot. He became a check pilot and then head of Standardization and Evaluation for Texas Wing after moving back to his hometown of El Paso.

Shane holds an MD Degree from the Paul L Foster School of Medicine and an MSE from the University of Pennsylvania. He's married with two sons and enjoys teaching others to fly.

From the age of 10, Jesus found himself captivated by the world of aviation, a fascination that would shape his destiny. It all began with the awe-inspiring spectacle of an airshow, and from that moment on, the sky became his true calling.

In 2016, he took his first steps into the world of flight, embarking on a journey that would define his future. His aviation education took flight at Cochise College in Douglas, Arizona, where he dedicated himself to honing his skills and mastering the art of flying. In the year 2020, Jesus's dedication reached new heights as he proudly graduated with a bachelor's degree in professional pilot technology. Armed with knowledge, experience, and a heart full of dreams, he stands on the threshold of an exciting aviation career. His aspirations are clear and resolute - to command cargo planes or join the ranks of the airlines.

For Jesus, the sky is not the limit; it's the beginning of an adventure that he's destined to explore. What propels Jesus forward is his unwavering passion for aviation, a fire that burns brightly within him. With each flight, each new challenge, he is forging a path toward the boundless skies, where his dreams will take flight.

Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Shirahn has expressed his passion for aviation in many different ways since the age of four. Whether it was with the mechanics of a jet engine explained with a balloon, math’s relation to aircraft and flight, or writing essays about aviation disasters on his own time, he always had a story to share about his love of flying.

A graduate of Aeronautical Science with flight honors from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, Shirahn holds additional ratings in addition to his CFI such as Commercial Seaplane, Multi-Engine, and CFII ratings. Shirahn believes sharing his knowledge in earnest with someone to get better every day is an important value of a human being.

Outside of aviation, Shirahn is passionate about the world of Electronic Dance Music. He is an accomplished DJ and continues his passion through performing at various live events across Texas and Washington.

David's journey began in the alfalfa fields of Logan, Utah, where he was born and raised. Driven by a passion for medicine, he initially pursued a career in healthcare, working in urgent care. However, like many aviators, aviation soon captured his heart. With a shift in career aspirations, David moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, to earn his Private through Commercial Multi-Engine ratings. He then returned home to complete his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certification, soaring over the same fields that shaped his roots.

As an instructor, David’s goal is to share the thrill and joy of aviation while being a steadfast support for his students, especially during the tough moments. He believes that, as aviators, learning never stops—whether you’re a student or a CFI, we’re all continually growing in our craft.

When David isn’t flying, he enjoys playing the saxophone, unwinding to the smooth sounds of 1930s music, and spending quality time with his partner and their dog, Rambo.

Born and raised just south of Houston, Texas, Kamilee’s love for aviation began at an early age. One of her fondest childhood memories is attending the Wings Over Houston airshow every year with her family, sparking her lifelong passion for flight. At just thirteen years old, Kamilee took her first flight after receiving a discovery flight as a birthday gift, setting the stage for her journey in aviation. She completed her Private Pilot training while still in high school and, eager to gain experience, quickly moved on to earn her ratings—achieving Commercial ASEL and AMEL, CFI, CFII, and MEI.

For Kamilee, there isn’t a fixed end goal in her aviation career—the opportunities are vast, and she’s excited to explore them all. However, she believes the most important aspect of her journey is enjoying each step along the way, knowing there’s always something new to learn and experience.

Jacob, a proud El Paso native, has always had a deep fascination with flying—particularly thunderstorms and severe weather. Though he never initially planned to become a pilot, his love for watching storms roll across the skies and his childhood dream of reaching space ultimately led him to aviation. In early 2016, encouraged by his family to try an introductory flight, Jacob's passion for flying took off. He earned his Private Pilot License in his senior year of high school—before even obtaining his driver's license.

Thanks to the Presidential Scholarship, Jacob went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics and a Minor in Applied Meteorology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2022. Now a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Jacob shares his passion for the clear skies of El Paso, helping aspiring pilots achieve their dreams.

Outside of flying, Jacob is captivated by military vehicles and volunteers at the War Eagles Air Museum, where he’s always eager to share his knowledge about the museum’s collection. Currently, Jacob is pursuing his Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) rating and has his sights set on obtaining a Master's in Meteorology to further combine his love for aviation and weather.