From O’Hare’s Terminals to the Cockpit: An Illinois Aviation Academy Instructor’s Journey to Corporate Aviation

For many pilots, the path to the cockpit begins with a moment of inspiration. For one Illinois Aviation Academy graduate and former Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Marcellus Freeman, that moment came early watching aircraft depart from one of the busiest airports in the world.  

After helping train the next generation of pilots at Illinois Aviation Academy (IAA), he has taken the next step in his aviation career as a corporate pilot flying the Hawker 900XP.  

In this Q&A, Marcellus reflects on what sparked his passion for aviation, what he learned while instructing at IAA, and the advice he shares with aspiring pilots working toward their own careers in the sky. 

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in aviation and become a pilot?
   A. From the age of 6, I knew I wanted to be a pilot. My father was the reason for it—he was a driver for Budget Rental. I grew up riding around the terminals of O’Hare Airport as my father picked up passengers and transported them to and from the car rental lots. I got to see airplanes take to the skies every day, and I knew that one day I wanted to do the same.
2. What was yourexperience likeas a Certified Flight Instructor at IAA, and what did you enjoy most about instructing? 
   A. My experience as an instructor was a mix of long days, challenging problems, and many proud moments. There were days when I had to adjust my students’ training due to bad weather, and other days when I got to see my students solo for the first time. What I enjoyed most about instructing was seeing my lessons and teachings pay off in real time. I was able to guide and shape many students into becoming professional pilots, knowing I was helping build the foundation on which they are growing their careers. 
3. How did your time as a CFI help prepare you for the transition to working for Gary Jet?
   A. My time as a CFI prepared me for working at Gary Jet by honing my skills in Crew Resource Management and my ability to work under pressure. As a CFI,it reqired the ability to think quickly and calmly while maintaining situational awareness and composure. When I moved into my current role flying the Hawker 900XP, things moved much faster. In the Hawker, landing speed is around 120 knots, while in a Cessna 172 it’s closer to 55 knots. That means I’m doing double the work in half the time. My experience as a CFI helped me transition into this new role more quickly and adapt to the pace of corporate aviation. 
4. What does joining Gary Jet mean to you at this stage in your career?
   A. It means that I have finally achieved the goal ofnearly every career pilot—being paid to do what I love. It also means that my years of training and hard work have paid off. 
5. What advice would you give to current students or CFIs working toward an airline career?
   A. First, I want to note thatI’m not an airline pilot—I’m a corporate pilot—so my role and job duties are somewhat different. My advice to any student or CFI is to keep pushing forward and learn from every flight and ground lesson that comes your way. It takes a lot of work to reach this stage of a career. It won’t always be easy, and it won’t always be quick. The airlines can be a great place to build a career, with excellent quality of life and pay, but they require you to be the best pilot you can be. Hundreds of lives depend on you doing your job well. Every ground lesson and every flight lesson is an experience that will help shape you into a professional pilot. 

Stories like this highlight how the journey to becoming a professional pilot is built on passion, perseverance, and mentorship. At Illinois Aviation Academy, students have the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and gain the skills needed to pursue potential careers across the aviation industry, from airlines to corporate aviation and beyond! 

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a career in aviation, learn more about flight training opportunities at Illinois Aviation Academy and how you can start your own journey to the cockpit! 

This is one individual's experience. Outcomes vary. Employment with any airline requires additional certifications, qualifications, and experience and is not guaranteed. Illinois Aviation Academy is not affiliated with Gary Jet.