Arkansas Aviation Academy at Henderson State

Arkansas Aviation Academy is the flight training program at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, and represents the only public university aviation program in the state of Arkansas. The academy offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Aviation through a Professional Pilot Track, as well as an Aviation Management Track for students interested in aviation industry careers without a commercial pilot focus. In 2025, the program was granted FAA examination authority, enabling Henderson State to conduct practical tests for pilot certifications in-house.

The fleet is one of the most diverse in the region: 13 Maule aircraft serve as the primary trainers for Private Pilot, Instrument, and Commercial training; two Piper Arrows with advanced avionics support the final stages of commercial training; two Tecnam P2006T twin-engine aircraft are used for multi-engine ratings; and a Bellanca Citabria is dedicated to CFI spin training and tailwheel instruction. The school expanded its fleet in 2025 to accommodate growing enrollment, adding additional aircraft and flight instructors to meet demand.

The Arkansas Aviation Academy also offers non-degree programs for working pilots: a Commercial Multi-Engine Add-On course, a Tailwheel endorsement course, and a CFI spin-training course — making the program accessible to pilots at any stage of their career. The school's competitive pricing — approximately $68,000 total for all required training — makes it one of the most affordable Part 141 programs in the region.