Aviation plays a vital role in shaping the future of transportation, commerce, and exploration. Whether you're an aspiring pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or a professional in the industry, finding the right community can help you grow and stay engaged. This guide serves as a resource to connect individuals with aviation non-profits across Northern Illinois and the Chicagoland area. These organizations provide education, networking, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities to support aviation and aerospace development. By getting involved, you can help promote aviation, inspire the next generation, and contribute to the preservation of aviation history.
Illinois is home to a diverse array of aviation non-profits dedicated to preserving aviation history, educating the next generation of pilots, and providing resources for aviation enthusiasts. Here’s a look at some of the key aviation organizations Illinois, their missions, and what they do.
Table of Contents
Chicago Aviation Museums & Historical Organizations
Illinois Professional Development Aviation Non-Profits
Chicagoland Youth & Educational Aviation Programs
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapters in Illinois
Chicago Aviation Museums & Historical Organizations
Chicago and its surrounding areas have a rich aviation history, preserved through numerous museums and historical organizations. These institutions play a vital role in educating the public, showcasing historic aircraft, and honoring the contributions of aviation pioneers in the region.
Wings and Wheels Museum
Website: Wings and Wheels Museum
Location: Poplar Grove, IL
Mission: To preserve and showcase aviation and automotive history for future generations.
About: The Wings and Wheels Museum is an aviation and classic car museum located at the Poplar Grove Airport. It offers exhibits on vintage aircraft, historic automobiles, and artifacts that highlight the evolution of transportation. The museum also hosts educational programs, aviation events, and restoration workshops.
Illinois Aviation Museum
Website: Illinois Aviation Museum
Location: Bolingbrook, IL
Mission: To preserve aviation history and inspire future generations in aviation and aerospace.
About: This museum, based at Clow International Airport, features historic aircraft displays, aviation artifacts, and educational programs. It serves as a resource for aviation enthusiasts and students looking to learn about the history and technology of flight.
Naval Air Station Glenview Museum
Website: NAS Glenview Museum
Location: Glenview, IL
Mission: To preserve and share the history of Naval Air Station Glenview and its role in military aviation.
About: This museum highlights the legacy of the former Naval Air Station Glenview, which played a crucial role in training Navy pilots. Exhibits include historical aircraft, flight simulators, and memorabilia from the base’s operational years.
Warbird Heritage Foundation
Website: Warbird Heritage Foundation
Location: Waukegan, IL
Mission: To restore and maintain historic military aircraft to flying condition.
About: The foundation is dedicated to preserving aviation history by maintaining and operating a fleet of vintage military aircraft. They conduct flyovers, airshow demonstrations, and educational outreach to inspire interest in aviation history.
Warbird Squadron 4
Website: Warbird Squadron 4
Location: Northern Illinois
Mission: To preserve, restore, and educate people about military aviation history.
About: A regional chapter of the Commemorative Air Force, Warbird Squadron 4 focuses on maintaining and displaying historic military aircraft. They participate in airshows, veteran honor flights, and educational programs.
Illinois Professional Development Aviation Non-Profits
Many non-profits in Illinois focus on professional development for aviation professionals, offering networking opportunities, training, and scholarships. These organizations help foster career growth, advocate for aviation careers, and provide essential resources to both aspiring and experienced aviation professionals.
Women in Aviation International (Chicago's Leading Edge Chapter)
Website: Chicago's Leading Edge
Location: Chicagoland Area, IL
Mission: To provide networking, education, mentoring, and scholarship opportunities for individuals pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace.
About: Founded in October 2009, Chicago's Leading Edge is a chapter of Women in Aviation International. The organization is dedicated to empowering women and men in the aviation industry by offering resources such as mentorship programs, educational workshops, and scholarships. They actively engage in community outreach to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.
99s (Chicago Area Chapter)
Website: Chicago Area 99s
Location: Chicagoland Area, IL
Mission: To promote the advancement of women in aviation through education, scholarships, and networking.
About: The 99s is an international organization of women pilots that provides mentorship, scholarships, and networking opportunities. The Chicago chapter actively supports local female aviators and hosts outreach events to encourage young women to pursue careers in aviation.
Association for Women in Aircraft Maintenance (AWAM) (Southern, IL chapter)
Website: AWAM
Mission: To support and advance the careers of women in aircraft maintenance.
About: AWAM provides professional development, scholarships, and networking opportunities for women working in aircraft maintenance and related fields.
National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA - Chicago Chapter)
Website: NGPA Chicago
Mission: To build, support, and unite the LGBTQ+ aviation community while promoting equality in the industry.
About: The NGPA Chicago Chapter is a regional division of the National Gay Pilots Association, offering networking, mentorship, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ pilots and aviation professionals. The chapter hosts local events, scholarships, and career development opportunities to create an inclusive space in aviation.
Latina Pilots Association (Midwest Regional Chapter)
Website: Latina Pilots Association
Location: National with Midwest Regional Chapter
Mission: To empower and support Latina women in aviation through mentorship, scholarships, and career guidance.
About: This organization works to increase diversity in the aviation industry by offering resources, networking events, and financial assistance to Latina women pursuing careers as pilots and aviation professionals.
Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) (Midwest Regional Chapter)
Website: OBAP
Location: National with Midwest Regional Chapter
Mission: To encourage the advancement of minorities in all aviation and aerospace careers.
About: Founded in 1976, OBAP is a non-profit organization dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of minorities in aviation and aerospace. It supports aspiring aviation professionals through mentoring, scholarships, training, and youth-focused education programs.
Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA - Midwest Contact)
Website: PAPA
Location: National with Midwest Regional Chapter
Mission: To support and promote the advancement of Asian aviation professionals through education, mentorship, and community engagement.
About: The Professional Asian Pilots Association’s Midwest Chapter is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in aviation by providing scholarships, career guidance, and networking opportunities. The organization works closely with students and professionals to create pathways for success in the aviation industry.
Chicago Area Business Aviation Association (CABAA)
Website: CABAA
Location: Chicagoland Area, IL
Mission: To represent the interests of business aviation in the Chicago area and beyond.
About: CABAA is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing professionalism and safety within the business aviation community. It provides networking opportunities, advocates for its members with regulatory bodies, and promotes business aviation as a vital part of the regional and national economy. goflexair.com
Chicagoland Youth & Educational Aviation Programs
Aviation programs geared toward youth in the Chicagoland area provide hands-on experiences, mentorship, and scholarships to inspire the next generation of aviators. These initiatives introduce students to the world of aviation through flight training, STEM education, and career exploration programs, helping to cultivate future pilots, engineers, and aerospace professionals.
Girls in Aviation Day (Hosted by Women in Aviation International)
Hosted by: Chicago's Leading Edge - Women in Aviation International
Website: Chicago Girls in Aviation Day (September)
Mission: To introduce girls ages 8-18 to aviation and aerospace careers through interactive activities and mentorship.
About: Girls in Aviation Day is an annual event hosted by Chicago’s Leading Edge, bringing together young girls for a day of aviation exploration, hands-on activities, and career inspiration. The event is part of a global initiative by Women in Aviation International (WAI), which also offers an app and resources to support young girls interested in aviation year-round.
Avion Institute
Website: Avion Institute
Location: Chicago, IL
Mission: To introduce and prepare underrepresented youth for careers in aviation and aerospace.
About: Avion Institute provides hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and career development opportunities for students interested in aviation. The organization partners with schools and aviation professionals to create educational pathways for young aspiring pilots and engineers.
Tuskegee NEXT
Website: Tuskegee NEXT
Mission: To honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen by creating pathways to aviation careers for at-risk youth.
About: This non-profit offers flight training, leadership development, and career mentoring for young people who aspire to become professional pilots. The program provides scholarships and hands-on training in aviation.
EAA Chapter Young Eagles Program
Location: National with many chapters in the Chicagoland area (see below)
Mission: To introduce youth to aviation by offering free introductory flights and educational opportunities.
About: The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles program provides young people ages 8-17 with their first flight experience. Volunteer pilots across local EAA chapters take youth on free flights to inspire interest in aviation careers and hobbies. Many chapters also offer aviation camps, scholarships, and mentorship programs to help young enthusiasts further explore aviation. See below for chapters.
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapters in Illinois
The EAA fosters aviation enthusiasm through local chapters, flight experiences, and education. Below are the active EAA chapters in Illinois:
Chapter | Website | Location |
EAA 461 | Bolingbrook, IL | |
EAA 153 | Schaumburg, IL | |
EAA 22 | Rockford, IL | |
EAA 790 | Lake in the Hills, IL | |
EAA 1643 | Galesburg, IL | |
EAA 563 | Peoria, IL | |
EAA 579 | Aurora, IL | |
EAA 129 | Bloomington, IL | |
EAA 241 | Dekalb, IL | |
EAA 990 | Kankakee, IL | |
EAA 414 | Lake County, IL | |
EAA 15 | Romeoville, IL | |
EAA 932 | Wonder Lake, IL |
These EAA chapters host educational programs, Young Eagles flights for aspiring aviators, and community aviation events to foster interest in flying.
Getting Involved in the Local Aviation Community
For those interested in aviation, Illinois offers numerous opportunities to get involved. Whether you're an aspiring pilot, an aviation history enthusiast, or someone looking to support the aviation industry, there are many ways to connect with the community.
Attending local events, volunteering with aviation organizations, or joining groups like EAA chapters or Women in Aviation International can provide valuable networking and educational experiences. Many organizations also offer mentorship programs, scholarships, and hands-on training, making it easier than ever to take flight in the world of aviation.
Add Your Aviation Non-Profit to This List
If you are part of an aviation-related non-profit organization in Illinois and would like to be included in this directory, please reach out to us. We strive to keep this list updated with all active organizations supporting aviation education, historical preservation, and community outreach. Contact us at chicagosleadingedge@gmail.com with your organization's name, mission, website, and a brief description of your activities, and we will be happy to add you to the list.
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