
Train for Your Pilot Career
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.
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Introducing the Atlas Cadet Academy
Are you interested in training to pilot one of the largest planes in the world across continents? The Atlas Cadet Academy journey prepares aspiring pilots to do just that with Atlas Air Worldwide. In addition to earning certificates and ratings, cadets will gain valuable experience through specially crafted educational opportunities and leadership training.
Throughout the journey, cadets will immerse themselves in Atlas Air’s dynamic and global culture, both in-person and through an exclusive online community. Additionally, cadets will have priority opportunities to become an Atlas CFI and build their required flight hours, as well as, priority interviews for flying with a Part 135 airline partner to gain high-performance flight time.
This cadet journey trains students for these milestones*:
- Six FAA certificates and ratings
- Critical leadership skills
- Atlas culture and values
- Atlas immersive experience
- Part 135 airline interview for high performance hours
- Atlas First Officer application

Courses Available
Private Pilot Course
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
Instrument Rating Course
(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
Commercial Certificate Course
(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
Flight Instructor Course
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
Multi-Engine Rating Course
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 School
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
Illinois Aviation Facility
32W751 Tower Rd, West Chicago, IL 60185
Illinois Aviation is located in the western suburbs of Chicago at Dupage Airport (KDPA). IAA started at this facility and has grown with the Dupage community over the last 23 years. For transient customers IAA has many partners for travel and lodging options. Illinois Aviation’s main hangar houses over 30 aircraft in its 30,000 square feet of heated space.
Illinois Aviation Academy will be immersed in everything from Cessna 172 aircraft, the world leading Cirrus SR-22, and even corporate aircraft managed by Illinois Aviation Academy.
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