Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S)

Q: DOES ILLINOIS AVIATION ACADEMY (IAA) HAVE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES?

A: IAA has several employment relationships with commercial operators. In fact, students that have received their commercial rating may start flying professionally with IAA by providing traffic observation and aerial photography services. IAA presently has a 100% job placement record.

Q: WILL AN INTERNET DEGREE BE VALUED AS MUCH AS OTHER LARGER COLLEGE DEGREES?

A: A degree from any institution will be valuable. Bottom Line- You need a bachelor’s degree! An “aviation” degree however is very limiting for a graduate when considering employment alternatives in the event of a furlough. IAA recommends considering a degree outside of aviation. IAA offers the “aviation” Internet degree through UVSC as a cost effective alternative to large aviation schools. Often IAA graduates complete their degree on-line while flying professionally (for the airlines).

Q: WHAT ARE THE CLASSES LIKE AND WHAT IS THE RATIO OF STUDENTS TO INSTRUCTORS?

A: Illinois Aviation’s foundation was based upon training recreational pilots. This meant that clients wanted top-of-the-line resources and personalized instruction. IAA has kept its class sizes small (15 students per class) and flight instructor ratios small (5 students per instructor). IAA also has modern teaching aids available in the classroom and in our computer-learning center. IAA continues to ensure maximum student development with a personalized touch.

Q: DOES ILLINOIS AVIATION HAVE HOUSING?

A: Yes, affordable housing is available in the area at rates starting at $400 per month. Long-term contracts are not necessary and we can help you find employment while you are a student.

Q: DOES ILLINOIS AVIATION HAVE FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS?

A: IAA has financing available to full and part-time students through US Bank and Sallie Mae. These loans have relatively low interest rates and deferred payment programs available to students. The US Bank loan does not begin accruing interest until you complete your education. You may be a student for 15 years!

Q: SHOULDN’T I BE GOING TO A BIG STATE SCHOOL?

A: Training from a private institution versus a state school looks the same on a resume to a potential employer; Airlines want to see flight hour and ratings. Our instruction is on par with the big name schools, but of less cost to you. The only thing we don’t offer is the fraternity parties and Saturday morning football games.

Q: THERE ARE PLENTY OF SCHOOLS IN THE SOUTH, WHY TRAIN IN THE NORTH?

A: IAA is proud to provide the aviation community trained, professional and recreational pilots that have “real world experiences.” Students will fly in all types of weather in the challenging Chicago ATC system. IAA has a 21,000 square foot hangar, IFR equipped aircraft, simulators, an all weather airport with four runways and a control tower open 24 hours a day. This means that graduates will have flown in all types of weather conditions and times. Our training creates confidence and proficiency unmatched in the south.

Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 141 AND 61 SCHOOLS?

A: A “flight school” that chooses to obtain an FAA approval letter for its operations is called a Part 141 flight school. These schools are required to have structured training and maintenance programs to ensure that all of the training and safety requirements are being met. Part 61 operators have chosen not to submit their program for approval with the FAA and typically do not wish to meet the higher standard required of a Part 141 flight school.

Q: IS THE ILLINOIS AVIATION ACADEMY A PART 141 SCHOOL?

A: IAA has chosen not to be a part 141 flight school. We enroll a diversified student body with programs ranging from highly recreational flying to commercial pilot training, and it’s not uncommon to have students switch their programs mid-training. We encourage this flexibility amongst our students and realize that under the strict standards required of a Part 141 school, these changes would cost them significantly more in time and administrative costs, for less actual total flight time and experience. Being a Part 141 school would not accommodate our student’s needs.

Q: DOES IAA MEET THE HIGHER STANDARDS OF THE 141 FLIGHT SCHOOL?

A: Absolutely! IAA has structured its training and maintenance programs to meet and exceed the requirements of most Part 141 schools in all categories:

Programs: IAA is the only flight school in the Chicago area that offers programs with flight instructors and multi-engine aircraft. We are the only Flight school that employs full time professional flight instructors and trains them to teach off a comprehensive flight and ground syllabi, ensuring the highest quality of aviation education for our students.
Aircraft: Our aircraft maintenance meets the same standards required of any 141 school, including 100 hour maintenance inspections. We pride ourselves on being the only Aviation academy in Chicago with its own maintenance facility that’s open 7 days a week. Our aircraft are so dependable that many FAA inspectors count on them to maintain their currency.

Flight Instructors: IAA has great instructor retention rate with some of our instructors marking 7+ years and over 100 cumulative years of flight instruction with us. Our instructors are qualified to train in almost any single or multi-engine aircraft, offering our students a stability and consistency of instruction that no other flight operation in the area can match.

Q: CAN I RENT AIRCRAFT AFTER TRAINING AT IAA?

A: You can rent any aircraft that you are qualified to fly. IAA has a diverse fleet available for training/rental, including the 2005 Cirrus SR22, 2005 Diamond DA-40 to the 2007 Cessna 172SP (all have glass cock-pits). For an entire look at our aircraft, please check out the fleet and simulator page of the website

http://www.illinoisaviation.com/default2.asp?active_page_id=199

Q: HOW DO I START?

A: Interested applicants are encouraged to return a completed membership application and contact the IAA office to enroll in one of the many programs available. No payment is necessary to reserve your training schedule but enrollment is limited. Call us at 1-630-513-2224 and ask to set up a tour and, if you’re interested, an introductory flight. One of our staff will sit down with you and discuss all your possible options. You could be flying as soon as tomorrow!