Illinois Aviation Academy

[flysparke]

I was just wondering if anybody has had any experience with Illinois Aviation Academy at Dupage. Trying to find the right school and its on the top of my list but haven't really talked to anyone who has gone through it.

 

[ChiFlyer]

I did some of my initial training there a few years back. It was okay, just your typical 61 kind of school with older planes and instructors looking to move on. See how well they treat you when you walk-in to talk to them about training. That's usually a good gauge on how they'll treat you as a student.

 

[CopilotDoug]

I did some flying at IAA, it didn't impress me. Granted that was back in the late 90's and early 2000...
You might want to look around at the likes of Fox Flying Club at DPA and LumanAir At ARR. Feel free to PM me

 

[bobs98tlr]

I just started my flying again at IAA. Im working on my commercial and feel its an ok place. Lots of planes but almost always taken so get on the schedule a week in advance. Same with instructors. They are all looking to move on so make sure you push yourself to get things done. I like the place and i like the people. Its better then any other place in the Chicago area for sure. But if you can make it up to places in Milwakee or Waukesha then id concider that. TAB or Gran Aire in are owned by the same guy and have some awesome instructors. Good luck in finding what you need if you have any ?? feel free to pm me.

 

[DX Rick]

I did my instrument there about 3 yrs ago. My brother and I rented a Warrior 180Hp w/ constant speed prop. We took it up one day just to do some manuevers, when switching fuel tanks the cabin became engulfed with the odor of fuel. We landed at DKB, and called IAA. They yelled at us because we landed there, saying that the mechanics arent to touch the airplane and I wasn't "allowed" to land the airplane there because they are to expensive to fix airplanes. I guess in the past, other airplanes have broken down out there, and IAA didnt like paying for the mx. They explained to me it was the fuel line that runs along the back seat, and that you just need to tighten it by hand and it's "good to go"

My instructor and I went up one day in IMC, we first lost the transponder while under Mode C, then the other electronics started to go on us. ATC gave us the option to continue on to LAF, where there was VFR or to return to DPA. We returned of course, and upon doing so we were told by the owner that we dont know how to use a transponder.

When I was taking my commercial ride with the same examiner I used while at IAA, he asked if I had still rented there, I told him "No" and he replied "Good choice"