Flight Training

All courses are alligned to FAA requirements for each individual certificate or rating. The Flight Times reflect the minimums that each aviator is required to meet, prior to receiving their FAA checkride.

Illinois Aviation Academy’s instructors are all full time employees of the corporation. This means you will receive the best quality training available from some of the greatest instructors in the industry. We pride ourselves on making our students feel like part of the IAA family while flight training and continue with us afterwards.

While training at Illinois Aviation Academy you will have access to some of the industry’s leading aircraft. IAA continually invests in updating the aircraft fleet including new paint on aircraft, new interiors, Garmin 430W avionics, 100hr inspections, and much more. IAA  also has a FAA approved simulator that can be used during Instrument training.

Illinois Aviation Academy’s 141 career program can get you to where you want to be and quickly. If you dream of becoming a commercial, corporate, or freight pilot, let the IAA 141 career program accelerate you to your goals. From zero time to captain never felt this good.

Private Pilot Course: 35 Flight Hours FAA minimum

Whether you are beginning your career path to the airlines or just looking for a recreational taste of aviation, this course is the primary base for aviation aspirations and careers. This license is your initial certification from the FAA and it entitles you to act as the pilot of an aircraft and carry passengers in a private capacity (not for pay). This license is limited to flight below cloud ceilings and VFR conditions (typically 18,000 ft in the US).

Admission Requirements.

• No Minimum Age to Initiate Training
• Must be least 16 years old to Solo
• Must be 17 years old to Graduate
• Must be able to read, speak, and understand English
• Must hold at least a current third-class medical certificate
• Must attend an IAA Entrance interview
• Must hold a high school Diploma or GED

IAA Average hours to complete, which includes;

Ground training time varies per student study/work habits**

(After Obtaining Private Pilot Certificate)

INSTRUMENT RATING

This course prepares a pilot for flight conditions under IFR (Instrument Flight rules) and requires additional instruction structured towards intensive training in flight solely by reference to instruments. This rating entitles the pilot to fly when visibility and ceilings are low and weather conditions are marginal. It is not a pre-requisite for a commercial license but having IFR rating expands your possibilities. You must however have a Private Pilot’s license prior to attempting instrument rating.

Admission Requirements

• Private Pilot License
• Must be at least 16 years old
• Must be able to read, speak, and understand English
• Must hold at least a current third-class medical certificate
• Attend an IAA Entrance interview
• Hold a high school diploma or GED

35 Flight Hours Required:

Ground training time varies per student study/work habits**

(After Obtaining Private Certificate with Instrument Rating)

Commercial Certificate: 120 Flight Hours

This course focuses on applying aeronautical knowledge and skills including a thorough knowledge of aircraft systems. This license enables the  pilot to be hired for certain types of operation like banner towing, agricultural operations and photography; however it doesn’t entitle the pilot to fly IFR without an instrument rating certificate, or fly for the airlines without an ATP rating in the US.

Admission Requirements

• Private Pilot License
• Instrument rating (recommended)
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be able to read, speak, and understand English
• Must hold at least a current second-class medical certificate
• Attend an IAA Entrance interview

Ground training time varies per student study/work habits**

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR: Flight Hours 10, CFII: 10, MEI: 20

This course entitles pilots to teach other individuals to fly an aircraft and become private or commercial pilots. CFI’s serve to enhance and evaluate the skill level and proficiency of aviators in pursuit of a higher pilot license, certificate or rating. Flight Instructor ratings come in three categories:

• CFI: entitles an instructor to give training, endorsements and perform flight reviews
• CFII: entitles an instructor to give training and endorsements for an instrument rating
• MEI: authorizes a CFI to provide training, instruction and endorsement for a multi-engine rating

Admission Requirements

• Hold a valid commercial pilot’s license
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be able to read, speak, and understand English
• Must hold at least a current second-class medical certificate
• Attend an IAA Entrance interview
• High school Diploma or GED

**Academy Discounted Rates May Apply**

Part 141

MULTI-ENGINE : 10 Flight Hours

This course introduces students to multi-engine aerodynamics, operating procedures, systems, performance considerations, and emergency procedures.  The listed quotes below apply to pilots completing commercial complex time in Multi Engine aircraft. Please call for a full quote if starting multi engine training from scratch.

Admission Requirements

• Commercial License
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be able to read, speak, and understand English
• Must hold at least a current second-class medical certificate
• Attend an IAA Entrance interview
• High school Diploma or GED

Ground training time varies per student study/work habits**

Private Pilot Ground School Class : 14 weeks

Are you interested in taking that first step to completing your dream of becoming a pilot.  Then let Illinois Aviation Academy help you reach your dream.  Our fun and dynamic ground school classes are taught by experienced flight instructors of IAA.

This course will cover the many facets of aviation including: aerodynamics, airplane systems, airspace, meteorology, airplane performance, navigation and much more.  This course is designed to prepare you for the Private Pilot Written Test and introduce you to topics in the Private Pilot Oral and Flight Exam.  During the class you will meet other inspiring pilots and be able to work together to accomplish your goal.  Classes are offered on weekends and weekdays throughout the year.  Stop wishing you were a pilot and start training today at IAA.

Admission Requirements:

• Must be least 16 years old
• Must be able to read, speak, and understand English