I was looking for that perfect birthday gift for a friend. You know the one, where everyone…read morewonders, "Why didn't I think of that?". So after considering all the options for this special guy (everything from sports memorabilia to electronics) I finally decided on a gift that would put his head in the clouds. That's right! Airplane rental! Now, of course, it helped that he is a licensed pilot so that part was taken care of. But I had to find an airport and someplace that would rent him a plane- and the kind of plane that he knows how to fly. Enter Illinois Aviation Academy. They are located out at the Du Page airport and rent about 6 different types of airplanes, from Arrow to Cesna, Piper to Diamond. Since an Arrow was what I was looking for, my search was over. And the even better news is that they have licensed instructors that will do the pre-flight approval. Prices are in line with other places with the Arrow going for $165 an hour (wet) with the pre flight coming in at around $65. It was also nice to see it was a new plane (2004). This is a well run place with the school located at one end of the hanger, and for the more experienced pilots, the lounge and preflight room are like being in a nice club somewhere. And the lucky part? My friend wanted to take me with him when he went flying and so we were off for a picnic lunch in another state soaring over the lakes and trees. And all I could do was marvel that you can rent a plane almost as simply as you can rent a car. Talk about a perfect day! Not for everyone- but if you are looking to rent a plane- give Illinois Aviation Academy a call. And your head can be in the clouds too!

I'm a pilot that got out of flying for a while and wanted to get back in. A friend of mine…read morerecommended Illinois Aviation. First impressions were fantastic. There is a lot of energy in the building. They have lots of people around, lots of flight instructors and lots of planes. From the front desk people to the instructors, all are super helpful and nice. This isn't your grandpa's flight school. I'm older but the place is filled with a big mix of people. Young, old, guys, gals. Everybody seems like they're trying to learn to fly. Which is a good thing today as it's all about experiences! The owner Bob is around often and more than willing to chat with you if you have questions. One Sunday I walked in a got a big hello from an instructor, not my instructor, but just a guy behind the desk. My lessons with Ben have gone very well. He is a great guy! Flying is the coolest thing you can do. They'll give you an introduction flight if you want to try it out. Call today and set up a time to have them take you up for an intro flight, you will be hooked.