Aviation Groups in Alamogordo: How to Get Involved
Published 8 November 2026
Alamogordo has at least six aviation groups you can join, from free airplane rides for kids to a club where military families learn to fly. Most of them gather at the Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport at 3500 Airport Rd., and several cost little or nothing to try.
I spent the morning of November 7 at the airport's open house, put on by the City of Alamogordo, talking with the people behind each group. I came home with so much to share that I gave each one its own post. This guide puts them side by side so you can find your fit.
Which aviation groups can I join in Alamogordo?
| Group | Who it is for | Cost to start | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Air Patrol | Teens 12 to 17 and adults of any age | Yearly membership fees | Tuesdays at the airport |
| EAA Chapter 251, Young Eagles | Kids 8 to 17 for free flights, anyone for the chapter | Young Eagles flights are free; chapter dues $25 a year | Second Tuesday monthly at the airport |
| Holloman Aero Club | Military connected adults and families | Monthly dues plus hourly rates | Flight training at Holloman |
| Women in Aviation International | Girls and women, plus men who support them | Free junior membership for girls | Girls in Aviation Day each summer |
| Commemorative Air Force, Border Eagles | Anyone 18+, cadets 13 to 17 | $225 a year | Monthly at the War Eagles Air Museum, Santa Teresa |
| Holloman Air Force Gaming | Airmen and base community | Free | Holloman Community Center |
What can kids and teens do?
The youngest flyers have the most options. EAA Chapter 251 gives kids ages 8 to 17 a free airplane ride at its Young Eagles rallies, and its members fly planes they built from kits. The Civil Air Patrol is a weekly program for ages 12 to 17 with five free orientation flights, search and rescue training, and a therapy dog named Xander who helps homesick cadets at encampment. Women in Aviation International offers girls a free junior membership and holds Girls in Aviation Day each summer.
What can adults do?
Adults can join the Civil Air Patrol at any age, no military background needed, to fly missions, serve on ground teams or mentor cadets. Military connected families can learn to fly at the Holloman Aero Club, starting from zero. History lovers can help keep a World War II PT-19 trainer flying with the Commemorative Air Force's Border Eagles Squadron. And EAA Chapter 251 welcomes anyone, even if you have never touched an airplane.
Is there something for airmen who do not fly?
Yes. Holloman Air Force Gaming brings airmen together over video games, board games and tabletop games. You can meet the group at the Nerdy Charity Fundraiser on November 14 at the Otero County Fairgrounds, which collects toys for local foster kids.
Can I see aviation history at the airport?
Inside the terminal, I found a display about the Alamogordo RCers' Air Field, a local radio controlled flying field, with a case of vintage RC transmitters and model aircraft engines. It is a fun little stop if you are already at the airport for a Civil Air Patrol or EAA meeting.
What does this mean for people living in or moving to Alamogordo?
When you move to a new town, the fastest way to feel at home is to find your people. In Alamogordo, a lot of those people love to fly. Whether you are PCSing to Holloman with a teenager, retiring here with a lifelong love of airplanes, or simply curious, there is a group that will welcome you. My Holloman AFB relocation guide and Moving to Alamogordo guide can help with the rest of your move.
Frequently Asked Questions
What aviation groups are in Alamogordo?
Alamogordo has a Civil Air Patrol squadron, EAA Chapter 251 with its Young Eagles program, the Holloman Aero Club, Women in Aviation International members, and Holloman Air Force Gaming. The Commemorative Air Force Border Eagles Squadron is based nearby in Santa Teresa.
How can my child fly in an airplane for free in Alamogordo?
Kids ages 8 to 17 can get a free ride at an EAA Chapter 251 Young Eagles rally. Civil Air Patrol cadets ages 12 to 17 also get five free orientation flights.
Where is the Alamogordo airport?
The Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport is at 3500 Airport Rd., southwest of town. The Civil Air Patrol and EAA Chapter 251 both meet there.
Can adults learn to fly in Alamogordo?
Yes. Military connected adults and families can take lessons through the Holloman Aero Club. Adults can also fly missions with the Civil Air Patrol once trained.
Do I need to be in the military to join these groups?
No, not for most of them. The Civil Air Patrol, EAA Chapter 251, Women in Aviation and the Commemorative Air Force are open to civilians, while the Holloman Aero Club and Air Force Gaming require a military connection.
Details come from my conversations at the Alamogordo airport open house on November 7, 2026, and each group's official website, as of 8 November 2026. See each group's post for sources and contact details.