Illinois Aviation Academy in West Chicago was created in 1993 by an educator and aviation enthusiast. The academy now offers complete corporate aviation services, financial-aid services, aircraft maintenance, simulators and many other aspects of flying. Illinois Aviation Academy operates nearly every day of the year and works with the students' needs to ensure proper instruction time.
The ATP Flight School in Chicago has a nationally recognized Airline Career Pilot Program that provides the training that many commercial airlines look for in prospective pilots. Opened in 2010, the school offers a degree that is also paired with a college degree through Mountain State University. Students at the ATP Flight School learn to fly the world's largest multi-engine fleet in a dispatched, airline-style environment. The flight school prepares students to be more marketable. Students can proceed from a single-engine private pilot to a licensed multi-engine commercial instrument pilot in just 85 credit hours.
Founded in 1932, Lewis University near Chicago offers aviation majors education in four concentrated areas: aviation administration, aviation flight, aviation maintenance and aviation security. The college also provides a master of science degree program in aviation and transportation. These programs prepare students to work for an airline, cargo company, fixed-base operator, airport or even a governmental entity.
The Aviation Program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale has been going strong since 1960, and it has prepared a multitude of students for careers in all aspects of the aviation industry. The program utilizes experienced staff, modern facilities and several industry-leading internship programs to help its students get the most for their education. Financial aid is also available to students who qualify. SIUC Aviation offers undergraduate-degree programs in aviation flight, aviation management and aviation technologies. It also has a master's degree program in public administration. The program's Flying Salukis collegiate flight team has won a national competition seven times.