Illinois Aviation Academy to Host Fall AERO Fest on September 26

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. (Thursday, September 24, 2026) — Illinois Aviation Academy (IAA) will host its annual Fall AERO Fest, an in-person, hands-on event, on Saturday, September 26, at its flight facility and hangar in West Chicago, Illinois. 

The free community event gives prospective students and their families the opportunity to tour IAA's flight facility and hangar, get hands-on access to current aircraft, and meet instructors and Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) from the Atlas Cadet Academy. AERO Fest covers topics spanning airplanes, avionics, weather, and airspace, and will feature a panel of guest speakers offering insight into flight training and the Atlas Cadet Academy experience. 

More than 500 expected guests have registered to attend this year’s AERO Fest, reflecting strong community interest in flight training opportunities at IAA and the Atlas Cadet Academy! 

Event activities include: 

• Meet & Greet, beginning at 10:00 AM 

• Atlas Cadet Academy Presentation 

• Hands-On Activities 

• Flight Simulator Demonstrations 

• Static Aircraft Display & Demo with a CFI 

• Student Housing Information 

Attendees who complete the activity will receive a digital participation certificate from IAA, which they can add to their portfolio. Tickets are intended for prospective students and their family members. Registration is available via Eventbrite. 

Event Details: 

• What: Fall AERO Fest 

• When: Saturday, September 26, starting at 10:00 AM 

• Where: Illinois Aviation Academy, 32W751 Tower Road, West Chicago, IL 60185 

• Register to Attend: illinoisaviation.com/2026/09/11/aero-fest-september-26th 

About the Atlas Cadet Academy, Exclusive to IAA 

The Atlas Cadet Academy is offered exclusively at IAA. It was launched in 2024 through a partnership between Spartan Education Group (SEG) and Atlas Air, one of the world's largest 747 operators, serving both cargo and passenger customers. The Academy gives cadets a defined pathway toward potential First Officer positions with Atlas Air, combining essential aeronautical knowledge with preparation for FAA certification and rating exams, alongside co-curricular training in leadership, teamwork, and advanced flight skills. 

Cadets enroll at IAA's flight training location in West Chicago, Illinois. Learn more about the Atlas Cadet Academy partnership announcement. 

About Illinois Aviation Academy (IAA)  

Located in West Chicago, IL, at DuPage Airport (KDPA), the Illinois Aviation Academy (IAA) is a part of Spartan Education Group, LLC, and has been training pilots for three decades. Today, IAA's training facility spans 30,000 square feet and houses a fleet of over twenty-five aircraft, including the Cessna 172s and Piper Aztecs. IAA provides FAA-approved Part 141 flight training and is a proud partner of Atlas Air Worldwide.