Institute of Aviation at Parkland College

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Institute of Aviation was founded in 1946 at the University of Illinois, becoming the first FAA-certified school in the US to conduct all tests for civilian pilot certificates.
  • Ownership of the Institute transferred to Parkland College in 2013, officially reopening in Fall 2014 to continue flight training programs utilizing the original university facilities and aircraft.
  • The Institute has a strong legacy of producing aviation professionals, with over 3,000 graduates becoming pilot instructors and alumni flying for major airlines, military, and various organizations worldwide.
See a mistake? Contact us.

From Institute of Aviation: The Institute of Aviation was founded at the University of Illinois in 1946. It was the first aviation school in the US to be certified by the FAA to conduct all tests leading to the issuance of civilian pilot certificates.

In September 2013, the university entered an agreement to transfer ownership to Parkland College for continued flight training. Leasing the university’s aircraft and facilities at Willard Airport, the Institute officially opened for the Fall 2014 academic semester.

Institute alumni fly for all major US airlines and for military, corporate, cargo, and charter organizations worldwide. More than 3,000 Institute of Aviation graduates have gone on to train other pilots as instructors.

We’re proud to uphold a longstanding tradition of aviation excellence.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get the latest Plane & Pilot Magazine stories delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE