The Windy City Airport: A Guide To Chicago's O'hare

Chicago, also known as the Windy City, is home to Chicago Executive Airport, which is served by Windy City Aviation. The aviation company has been serving the Chicago aviation community for nearly 30 years. Windy City Aviation provides comprehensive services for aspiring pilots and current aircraft owners. Chicago is the third-most populous city in the United States and is a popular destination for tourists and business travellers alike.

Chicago Executive Airport

The airport, with its convenient location near Interstate 94, is an attractive option for corporate travellers and recreational flyers heading to downtown Chicago or the north or west suburbs. Chicago Executive Airport is the third busiest airport in Illinois, logging over 77,000 take-offs and landings each year. It handles a variety of aircraft, including executive jets like the Grumman Gulfstream and Bombardier Challenger, and even larger military transport planes such as the Lockheed C-130.

The history of Chicago Executive Airport dates back to 1925 when it first opened as Gauthier's Flying Field. In 1928, it was renamed Pal-Waukee due to its location near the intersection of Palatine Road and Milwaukee Avenue. The airport underwent significant development under the ownership of George J. Priester from 1953 to 1986, during which paved runways, lighting, hangars, and an air traffic control tower were installed. In 1986, the airport was sold to the cities of Wheeling and Prospect Heights and renamed Palwaukee Municipal Airport.

In 2006, the airport was renamed Chicago Executive Airport to reflect its role as a convenient and efficient option for executive travellers. The airport has continued to develop, receiving $1.1 million in late 2021 for facility upgrades. The airport's Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility was recognised in 2022 as the General Aviation Airport Architectural Project of the Year by the American Association of Airport Executives.

Windy City Aviation's services

Windy City Aviation is Chicago's premier flight school and aircraft management provider, located at Chicago Executive Airport. With nearly 30 years of experience, they have been bringing aviation dreams to life for the Chicago aviation community.

Their comprehensive services cater to aspiring pilots, existing pilots, and aircraft owners. For those new to flying, Windy City Aviation offers discovery flights and structured training curricula led by Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs). This training can lead to a Private Pilot License and an Instrument Rating, ensuring pilots have the necessary skills to pursue their aviation goals safely. For existing pilots, Windy City Aviation provides access to a fleet of planes, helping pilots find the right aircraft for their specific missions.

Additionally, the company offers aircraft management services, including on-airport maintenance with certified and factory-trained technicians. They work closely with aircraft owners to perform scheduled maintenance and address unscheduled repairs promptly. Windy City Aviation also provides hangar and scheduling services, ensuring that planes are stored in full-service, heated hangar facilities. When owners schedule a trip, their aircraft will be fuelled and ready for departure, with the dispatch team coordinating any necessary accommodations at the destination airport.

Windy City Aviation is recognised as a Distinguished Flight School by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) for the second consecutive year. The founder, Dean Ellis, a pilot and aircraft owner himself, established the company to share his passion for adventure and freedom with others.

Chicago aviation community

Chicago, known as the Windy City, is home to a vibrant aviation community with a rich history and a strong passion for flight. Located within the city is Windy City Aviation, a premier flight school and aircraft management provider that has been serving Chicago's aviation enthusiasts for nearly 30 years.

Windy City Aviation is based at Chicago Executive Airport and offers a comprehensive range of services for aspiring pilots, aircraft owners, and existing pilots. The school's founder, Dean Ellis, created the institution to share his passion for adventure and freedom, empowering others to explore the world through flight.

The flight school caters to a diverse range of students, from teenagers pursuing a potential career in aviation to parents seeking more convenient travel options for family vacations. Windy City Aviation's team of Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) provides structured training that equips students with the skills necessary to obtain their Private Pilot License and Instrument Rating, enabling them to pursue their aviation goals safely. The school emphasizes continuous learning, offering opportunities for pilots to add new ratings, maintain their skills through proficiency checks, and access a fleet of planes for their missions.

In addition to flight training, Windy City Aviation also provides aircraft management services. Their on-airport maintenance shop is staffed with certified technicians who ensure timely and efficient aircraft service. The company works closely with aircraft owners to perform scheduled maintenance, address unscheduled repairs, and provide full-service hangar facilities. Their dispatch team assists with trip coordination, ensuring that planes are fuelled and ready for flight, and accommodations are arranged at destination airports.

Windy City Aviation's commitment to safety and customer satisfaction has earned them recognition. For two consecutive years, they have been distinguished as a top-flight school by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). By combining flight training with aircraft management services, Windy City Aviation plays a pivotal role in Chicago's aviation community, fostering a culture of learning, exploration, and adventure among its members.

Aircraft management

The company's aircraft management services are tailored to existing aircraft owners who require turnkey management solutions. Windy City Aviation understands that owning an aircraft is a significant investment, and their team of experienced professionals is dedicated to maximizing the benefits of aircraft ownership while minimizing the complexities.

Their aircraft management services encompass a range of areas, including maintenance, hangar facilities, and scheduling. The on-airport maintenance shop employs certified and factory-trained technicians who perform all necessary services promptly and efficiently. They work closely with aircraft owners to schedule maintenance around their calendars and promptly address any unscheduled maintenance issues.

Windy City Aviation prioritizes the safety and convenience of their clients. They ensure that aircraft are maintained in full-service, heated hangar facilities, ready for departure when needed. The dispatch team assists clients in coordinating accommodations at destination airports, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

In addition to maintenance and hangar services, Windy City Aviation provides scheduling assistance, ensuring that aircraft are fueled and prepared for flight when clients arrive at the airport. The company's aircraft management services enhance the overall ownership experience, providing peace of mind and allowing aircraft owners to focus on their travel plans and aviation goals.

Certified Flight Instructors

Windy City Aviation, located at Chicago Executive Airport, is a distinguished flight school with nearly 30 years of experience in the Chicago aviation community. The school's team of Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) is dedicated to teaching aspiring pilots to fly safely and pursue their aviation dreams.

The CFIs at Windy City Aviation follow a structured training curriculum that has been refined over 25 years. They guide students through the process of obtaining their Private Pilot License and subsequent ratings, ensuring they develop the right set of skills to achieve their aviation goals safely.

The school's comprehensive training program includes guidance on obtaining the initial Private Pilot License, followed by the Instrument Rating. This foundational training enables students to build a strong base of knowledge and skills necessary for safe flight operations.

Additionally, Windy City Aviation offers advanced training options for pilots seeking to expand their capabilities. Students can pursue additional ratings, such as the Instrument Rating and Commercial Rating, enhancing their proficiency in instrument-only conditions and commercial flight operations, respectively.

Windy City Aviation's CFIs are committed to lifelong learning and believe that a good pilot never stops improving. They encourage students to continuously sharpen their skills through proficiency checks and additional training opportunities. The school's on-airport maintenance shop, staffed with certified technicians, ensures that aircraft are well-maintained and readily available for flight instruction.

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