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IFR Training in Illinois

Cities in Illinois with Aviation Schools:

IFR Training in Illinois

Instrument Rating Flight Training Illinois

The instrument rating (IFR) is something that will eventually come along if you've been flying very long. Typically, it comes up when looking at buying an aircraft or seeking a commercial pilot career, but otherwise, some pilots may take quite a while to get their instrument rating in Illinois. Though many pilots in Illinois do eventually get an instrument rating, chances are learning to fly IFR in Illinois now could greatly benefit your future flying.


An instrument rating will make you a better pilot, is required to get a commercial pilot certificate, and will generally lower your insurance rates. Flying on instruments in Illinois will make you a better pilot. When it comes to flying on instruments, precision is the keyword. There are many different things to learn for your instrument rating, but none are more difficult and rewarding as learning to fly with precision.

Once you complete your instrument rating in Illinois, you will be able to not only hit a specific altitude or descent rate but hold it. You will be more in control of your aircraft than you ever thought possible and this will surely affect your flying in general.

Perhaps you're not thinking about it right this moment, but at some point in the future, you may decide to get a commercial pilot certificate. That doesn't mean you have to run off to the airlines. There are many commercial pilots that never really get paid to fly, but it is nice to have the option.

Commercial Pilots in Illinois Need an Instrument Rating to Get a Job

Maybe your company has a nice aircraft that you'd like to spend some time in or you'd occasionally like to take on a paying passenger--whatever the case, although it's not required, you're going to want an instrument rating to go along with your commercial pilot certificate.

If you wait until then to get instrument rated, you're going to have a lot of training to do. Instead, reap the benefits of learning precise flying early and you can sail through commercial pilot training when you need it.

Do You Want to Earn Your Instrument Rating IFR in Illinois?

Insurance rates are generally cheaper for instrument-rated pilots. Perhaps the poorest-kept secret of the aviation insurance industry is that instrument-rated pilots enjoy rates that are generally cheaper. The increased training instrument-rated pilots take on and their increased skill pay off in lower insurance premiums. Depending on the type of aircraft you fly, this can be a very significant amount of money.Legend has it that the instrument rating is the most difficult to earn of all licenses, ratings, and endorsements. And if you talk to an instrument-rated pilot, he or she will probably agree. However, the instrument rating could also be the most rewarding of all to earn, and the benefits and privileges of acquiring the rating are well worth the initial effort.

So, if you'd like to be a better pilot with lower insurance rates and you might get a commercial pilot certificate, you should definitely consider an instrument rating. Sure it may be difficult, but the sense of accomplishment and precision flying skill is more than worth it in the long run.

Legend has it that the instrument rating in Illinois is the most difficult to earn of all licenses, ratings, and endorsements. And if you talk to an instrument-rated pilot, he or she will probably agree. However, the instrument rating could also be the most rewarding of all to earn, and the benefits and privileges of acquiring the rating are well worth the initial effort.

Simply stated, the instrument rating allows pilots to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR) in Illinois, in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and in class A airspace (the airspace between 18,000 feet msl and 60,000 feet msl). IMC is loosely defined as conditions that do not meet the basic requirements of operating under visual flight rules (VFR), including ceilings less than 1000 feet above airport elevation and/or visibility less than 3 miles at the airport.

Although the instrument rating gives pilots permission to operate in less than basic VFR conditions, it's not a "license" to fly in bad weather. Prudent pilots do not launch into deadly weather just because they are instrument rated. Learn about instrument rating training.

FAA - A History of Airplane Structures Facts for Illinois

Octave Chanute, a retired railroad and bridge engineer, was active in aviation during the 1890s. His interest was so great that, among other things, he published a definitive work called “Progress in Flying Machines.” This was the culmination of his effort to gather and study all the information available on aviation. With the assistance of others, he built gliders similar to Lilienthal’s and then his own. In addition to his publication, Chanute advanced airplane structure development by building a glider with stacked wings incorporating the use of wires as wing supports.

Helicopter Transmission

The transmission system transfers power from the engine to the main rotor, tail rotor, and other accessories during normal flight conditions. The main components of the transmission system are the main rotor transmission, tail rotor drive system, clutch, and freewheeling unit. The freewheeling unit, or autorotative clutch, allows the main rotor transmission to drive the tail rotor drive shaft during autorotation. Helicopter transmissions are normally lubricated and cooled with their own oil supply.


IFR Instrument Rating Training in Illinois

Depending on your flight training goals, instrument rating training may be required, but it is a good idea regardless of your goals. There are many places to learn to fly on instruments, so what should you look for when trying to find a school? There are three basic questions that should guide you to a good choice.


What kind of aircraft are available and, after I get my instrument rating, can I rent airplanes for actual IFR flights? Most flight schools offer at least one aircraft that is certified for IFR flight. Some even have several. The question is, do they offer the kind of aircraft you need?

Are you looking for training in a new glass panel or round gauges or both? Your personal preference and goals should be considered before choosing a school. A final consideration, assuming you don't own your own aircraft, is whether the school will rent you an aircraft after you get your rating for flight into actual IMC. This is important because you will want to maintain currency and there is no substitute for actual IMC.

Will We Fly in Actual IFR During Training?

Building off of that last point, ask if you will fly actual IMC during training. There's nothing wrong with simulated instrument flight, as a matter of convenience, but it is important that you experience at least some real instrument flights. It may seem strange, but for whatever reason, some schools don't allow for training flights in actual instrument weather, which can negatively affect your training.

Will we do any night IFR flight training? Absolutely! Another thing to ask is whether you will do any flights at night. Night flying is a required element of the private pilot test standards, but it is not required for an instrument rating. This is unfortunate because as you may know, it is quite different from flying during the day.

You never know when you might need to fly on instruments at night and having the added security of a flight instructor while you learn is much preferable to learning it on your own when you get caught out after dark.

Finding the answer to these three questions should provide you with all the information you need to find a great instrument rating training program that will serve you well. A good program that offers the right aircraft, provides for currency by allowing you to fly into real IMC and offers night instrument training will provide you with a very solid foundation of instrument flying skills.

Getting an Instrument Flight Rules Rating - IFR Flying is Precise

There are two sets of rules for flying any aircraft: VFR and IFR. VFR stands for Visual Flight Rules and IFR means Instrument Flight Rules. Depending on the weather conditions a pilot may opt for one set of rules or the other.

Not long after you get your private pilot certificate, you will likely start thinking about getting an instrument rating. If you're seeking a commercial pilot career it's just the next step, but even if you're not, it should be the next step. The precision, reliability, and safety of instrument flight are a huge boon to pilots of any kind.

Ask almost any instrument-rated pilot and they'll tell you that their instrument rating was one of the most difficult things they've done. Ask them if they regret it and you're unlikely to hear anyone say, "Yes." There are a lot of things to learn, but the one that is perhaps most difficult, but most useful is the precision learning to fly instruments will impart on your flying. Getting an instrument rating will ensure that you can not only hit a specific altitude or descent rate but that you can hold it.

IFR Flying is More Reliable & IFR Flying Can Be Safer

As a result of all your hard work during your instrument rating flight training, you will be able to fly in many more kinds of weather than a regular private pilot. This may not mean much right up until it clouds upon your cross country trip and the weather isn't expected to improve for days. As a non-instrument rated pilot, you're at the mercy of the weather. As an instrument-rated pilot, chances are you can file an instrument flight plan and continue safely on your way. Providing this kind of reliability is where an instrument rating really pays off.

While the typical VFR flight isn't very risky, instrument flights are even less risky thanks to the extra sets of eyes helping you navigate through the airspace. While flight following is commonly recommended for VFR flights, air traffic control isn't obligated to provide the service. On an instrument flight, however, there are always controllers following your flight and ensuring you reach your destination safely. Should something happen, such as another aircraft popping up out of nowhere or your engine stops, the controller knows where you are and will act accordingly.

If you're seeking more precision, higher reliability, and increased safety when flying, getting an instrument rating is a great idea. If you're seeking a career in aviation, it was probably already on your to-do list, but even if you aren't it should be.


Interesting Aviation Facts for Arlington for Arlington

Military Helicopters: Observation helicopters can also be fitted with guns, anti-tank guided missiles, rocket pads as well as air-to-air missiles. Some of the observation helicopters in use are: Arospatiale Gazelle, Bell OH-58 Kiowa, Kawasaki OH-1, Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche (reconnaissance as well as attack helicopter)

Aviation Facts and Figures for Arlington

Hospital helicopter transport services typically require pilots to have 2,000 hours or more of flight experience. Employers also require that emergency medical services helicopter pilots obtain an instrument rating while in training to earn a commercial pilot license. Additionally, EMS pilots must have experience flying helicopters with turbine engines.


Interesting Aviation Facts for Aurora for Aurora

Military Helicopters: As the helicopter technology matured, new aircraft were added to support naval missions. These helicopters were used to deliver weapons, attack the enemy with air-launched torpedoes, etc.

Aviation Facts and Figures for Aurora

How to pick a helicopter flight school near Aurora

To visit each school, call them up and make an appointment to meet with the owner/president. You will usually have an easier time getting an appointment during the week, rather than on the weekend. Tell them you'd like to meet them to hear about the school, their training program, and why you might want to train with them.


Aviation Training Facts for Berwyn

Military Helicopters: Development of turboshaft engines helped smaller helicopters to operate from smaller vessels. Soon, choppers were equipped with magnetic anomaly detection, radar and sonar equipment.

Aviation Facts and Figures for Berwyn

Helicopter Ground School: In an airplane you can make decisions about trading forms of energy very late in the day. For example, if you pull the stick all the way back at 6000' above the ground you will gradually slow down and eventually stall and perhaps enter a spin. With many airplanes you could spin nearly all the way to the ground before applying forward stick and opposite rudder to get back to a normal flight condition. All without an engine.


Aviation Training Facts for Bloomington

Military Helicopters: Today, maritime helicopters have better electronics, engines and weapons that help them play multiple roles. Some of the types of maritime helicopters are: Merlin HM1, SH-60B Seahawk 2, Kamov Ka-27, Westland Wasp

Aviation Facts and Figures for Bloomington

Robinson Helicopters: The Robinson R22 Beta II is flown throughout the world for many applications, ranging from flight training to livestock mustering to patrolling pipelines, that require dependability, low operating costs, and performance.


Fun Facts About Flight Dispatchers

A flight dispatcher can make anywhere between $40,000 and $105,000 a year including benefits such perks as health, dental and life insurance, paid holidays and vacation, free or reduced travel fares are included as well.

Helicopter Factoid for Bolingbrooks for Bolingbrook

Robinson Helicopters: Robinson's R44 Clippers are Ravens equipped with seaworthy floats and corrosion protection for over-water operations. The Clipper's low center-of-gravity provides excellent stability on water, and the float design enables safe emergency water landings and takeoffs. Special ground-handling wheels are included with each Clipper.


Aviation Training Facts for Champaign

Unusual But Interesting Helicopter Facts in Champaign The S-333 helicopter has set the standard for light turbine powered helicopters. It has the power, speed and hover performance to meet a broad spectrum of operational requirements in missions ranging from airborne law enforcement, flight training, power and pipeline patrol to personal transportation. Best of all, the S-333 helicopter provides lower direct operating cost than most turbine powered helicopters.

Encouraging Quotes:

I'm not sure what the future holds but I do know that I'm going to be positive and not wake up feeling desperate.

Helicopter Factoid for Champaigns for Champaign

Robinson Helicopters: Equipped with a Lycoming O-540 carbureted engine, the R44 Raven I offers a balance between performance and affordability. Raven I features carburetor heat assist that enhances safety and reduces pilot workload by automatically adjusting carburetor heat in response to power changes by the pilot.


Aviation Training Facts for Chicago

Investigating a helicopter accident should start with a thorough examination of the helicopter's logbooks by an IA and the pilot's logbooks by a helicopter CFI (certificated flight instructor). Was the machine legal to fly on the day of the accident? Was the pilot legal to fly that machine? Once those questions are answered, proceed to the NTSB docket (list of FOIA dockets) to see what the pilot and witnesses said about what happened. Then look at the NTSB factual report. After that, each investigation is going to differ, depending on the circumstances and machine involved.

Helicopter Factoid for Chicagos for Chicago

Robinson Helicopters: The high performance R44 Raven II has a Lycoming IO-540 fuel-injected, angle-valve, tuned-induction engine, which eliminates the need for carburetor heat. The standard 28-volt electrical system ensures good starting performance in hot or cold weather, and provides additional electrical power for optional equipment.


Aviation Training Facts for Cicero

Unusual But Interesting Helicopter Facts in Cicero The new S-434 helicopter builds on the best qualities of the 333 model, including a well laid out cockpit, outstanding flight properties and low cost of ownership. To this, we have added a four-bladed rotor system, upgraded transmission and increased fuel capacity. The result of these improvements are increased useful load, hover performance, cruise speed and lower vibration.

Helicopter Factoid for Ciceros for Cicero

Robison Helicopters: Robinson's R44 Raven Series Helicopters provide excellent reliability, responsive handling, and altitude performance, making the R44 the ideal helicopter for private, business, and utility applications.


Aviation Training Facts for Decatur

Sikorsky Helicopters - Light Piston: The piston powered helicopter series draws its legacy from the 269 series. The 269 series helicopter was originally designed with four major objectives in mind: performance, versatility, safety and cost effectiveness.

Helicopter Factoid for Decaturs for Decatur

Robinson Helicopters: The R22 seats two adults and occupants have panoramic views due to R22's large windows. Acoustical foam lowers cabin noise. A heavy-duty muffler and low tail-rotor tip speed lessen flyover noise.


Aviation Training Facts for Des Plaines

The Army Air Forces selected helicopter pilot training candidates from rated volunteer applicants. At first there no specific qualifications for helicopter training, although the AAF later required a current flight physical. After the end of World War II, the AAF in early 1946 restricted eligibility to flight officers, lieutenants with a pilot rating, or service pilots on flying status.

Helicopter Factoid for Des Plainess for Des Plaines

Robinson Helicopters: The R22 Beta II incorporates a Lycoming O-360 four-cylinder, carburetor-equipped engine fueled with 100L grade aviation gasoline. This 145 hp engine is derated to 131 hp for five minutes at takeoff and 124 hp for continuous operation. A powerful engine, a lightweight steel-tube airframe, and aerodynamic shape gives the R22 a cruise speed of up to 90 kts and an average fuel consumption of only 7-10 gallons per hour.

Hollywood Quotes: I believe that two people are connected at the heart and it doesn't matter what you do or who you are or where you live; there are no boundaries or barriers if two people are destined to be together. Julia Roberts


Aviation Training Facts for Elgin

The problem of instructor pilots training, after World War II, was almost as critical as that of maintenance personnel training. Most of the assigned pilots had not been overseas returnees, and were, therefore, subject to overseas duty. The number of instructors on hand varied from one to five making planning student loads nearly impossible. To stabilize instructor manning, the helicopter school requested assignment of one class composed entirely of combat returnees, who could be retained as instructors. A class of 10 combat returnees began training 15 July 1946.

Aviation Facts - High-Speed Aerodynamics

Listed below are a range of conditions that are encountered by aircraft as their designed speed increases.• Subsonic conditions occur for Mach numbers less than one (100–350 mph). For the lowest subsonic conditions, compressibility can be ignored.• As the speed of the object approaches the speed of sound, the flight Mach number is nearly equal to one, M = 1 (350–760 mph), and the flow is said to be transonic. At some locations on the object, the local speed of air exceeds the speed of sound. Compressibility effects are most important in transonic flows and lead to the early belief in a sound barrier. Flight faster than sound was thought to be impossible. In fact, the sound barrier was only an increase in the drag near sonic conditions because of compressibility effects. Because of the high drag associated with compressibility effects, aircraft are not operated in cruise conditions near Mach 1.• Supersonic conditions occur for numbers greater than Mach 1, but less then Mach 3 (760–2,280mph). Compressibility effects of gas are important in the design of supersonic aircraft because of theshockwaves that are generated by the surface of the object. For high supersonic speeds, between Mach 3 and Mach 5 (2,280–3,600 mph), aerodynamic heating becomes a very important factor in aircraft design.• For speeds greater than Mach 5, the flow is said to be hypersonic. At these speeds, some of the energy of the object now goes into exciting the chemical bonds which hold together the nitrogen and oxygen molecules of the air. At hypersonic speeds, the chemistry of the air must be considered when determining forces on the object. When the space shuttle re-enters the atmosphere at high hypersonic speeds, close to Mach 25, the heated air becomes an ionized plasma of gas, and the spacecraft must be insulated ted from the extremely high temperatures.


Aviation Facts and Figures for Evanston

Post World War II Pilot Training: On 1 March 1946, all entries into helicopter pilot training were temporarily suspended due to lack of maintenance personnel. In June 1946 there were five R-5 and sixteen R-6 helicopters at San Marcos and seldom were they all in operable condition.

Aviation Training Facts for Evanston

To carry myself in such a professional way as if there ever is a reflection it's a positive one. Sidney Poitier

Thoughtful Quotes:

Humor is perhaps a sense of intellectual perspective: an awareness that some things are really important others not; and that the two kinds are most oddly jumbled in everyday affairs. Christopher Morley


Helicopter Training Facts for Heights

To rebuild the helicopter pilot training program, Headquarters Army Air Force appointed a group of officers in January 1946 to recommend a new location for the school. San Marcos Army Air Field, Texas, a recently inactivated flying training base, was selected. Helicopter pilot training formally transferred to San Marcos on 31 May 1946.

Aviation Training Facts for Heights

Unusual But Interesting Helicopter Facts in Heights Light Turbine Helicopters - The light turbine-powered helicopter series incorporates the best of two worlds: legacy of proven flight design originated in the 269 Series and state-of-the art turbine technology.

If it's really beautiful weather sometimes I might take a helicopter out. I got my license in 1999. -Patricia Cornwell


Aviation Facts and Figures for Joliet

The end of World War II left the helicopter training program in a state of confusion. Training Command suspended all training in early October 1945 and by the end of the month little remained of the school. The Army Air forces offered no incentives for the men to stay with the program, and more than 75 percent of the personnel left the service. By the middle of October, there was just one qualified helicopter pilot remaining to act as an instructor, and he was a recent graduate of the school.

Aviation Training Facts for Joliet

Sikorsky Helicopters - Light Turbine Helicopters: Dating back to 1956 with the first TH-55A U.S. Army , the 269 Series includes more than 3,750 aircraft operating in more than 70 countries with more than 20 million total flight hours. The turbine engine series was advanced with the S-333TM helicopter certified in 2000.

It is what it is and it's not what it should have been not what it could have been it is what it is. Nicole Kidman


Aviation Facts and Figures for Mount Prospect

Post World War II: The size of the program increased during 1945 to approximately three times what it was in 1944. With the end of the war in Europe, the War Department closed hundreds of bases. To align Chanute Field to a purely technical training mission, all helicopter pilot training moved to Sheppard Field, a Flying Training Command base near Wichita Falls, Texas in June 1945. Eighteen helicopters were transferred.

Aviation Training Facts for Mount Prospect

The FAA Rotorcraft Flying Handbook suggests a \normal hovering altitude of 2-5 feet. Any certified helicopter should have enough rotor inertia to permit a smooth landing after an engine failure from this altitude. Even if a pilot does nothing common sense suggests that it is safer to fall off a 2'-high curb than off a 20'-high roof.


Aviation Facts and Figures for Naperville

Post World War Pilot Training: At Randolph the course was divided into three stages: H-13, H-19 and H-21 with 30 hours in each aircraft. In January 1958 ATC added a fourth phase, an operational or combat crew-training phase which was conducted at Stead AFB, Reno, Nevada. Stead would allow realistic desert, water, snow, mountainous, and high altitude training as well as collateral training with Air Training Command's survival school.

Aviation Training Facts for Naperville

The low airspeed during a hover makes it problematic to land the helicopter without damage or injury in the event of a power failure. A standard autorotation takes advantage of kinetic energy stored in forward airspeed for a \flare just before landing. With no airspeed (i.e. a hover) there is no kinetic energy for the pilot to use.


Aviation Facts and Figures for Oak Lawn

Cost to Obtain a Helicopter License: Most helicopter flight training schools are charging rates of about $235-$275 per flight hour with an instructor and $200-$235 for solo time. Your ground school time will usually cost somewhere between $30 and $40 per hour.

Aviation Training Facts for Oak Lawn

Hovering is a hazardous phase of flight due to three factors: (1) low airspeed, (2) proximity to obstacles, and (3) high skill level required depending on wind conditions.


Aviation Facts and Figures for Oak Park

Post World War Pilot Training: In April 1952, Air Force pilots received 35 hours in the H-5 or H-23 and 35 hours in the H-19. Starting in 1953, flight training was 35 hours in the H-5 or H-13, then 35 hours in the H-19 or H-21. Army pilots received 45 hours in the H-13.

Aviation Training Facts for Oak Park

Sikorsky Helicopters - Light Piston: Since its inception, the product has been continuously improved with new technology and design innovation. Now, more than 50 years and more than 3,700 helicopters later, the S-300CTM and S-300CBiTM helicopters are regarded as among the world's finest piston-powered helicopters.


Fun Helicopter Facts for Palatine

Post World War Pilot Training: In mid 1950, 10 hours of instrument training was added to the course. Army helicopter training was conducted in the H-13. In March 1951, ATC transferred the helicopter pilot training program back to San Marcos AFB so James Connally AFB could expand its basic pilot training program to support the Air Force effort in Korea. Air Force pilots trained in the H-5 and H-23 helicopters.

Aviation Training Facts for Palatine

It is possible for the front edge of the right aileron to get jammed against the wing of a Cirrus SR20 prototype when the wing and the aileron are deflected down toward the aircraft wing and it is flexed upward to its maximum length. The tolerance cavity between the wing and the aileron are critical factors relative to the potential for jamming.

So keep the aircraft power up and push down on the yoke with all of your weight and you should be able to maintain relative control of the aircraft.


Fun Helicopter Facts for Peoria

Post World War Pilot Training: On 1 March 1949, San Marcos was inactivated and the school moved to James Connally AFB, Waco, Texas. Pilots trained in the R-5 and R-6 helicopters went on to serve almost exclusively in the Air Rescue Service. In August 1948 the H-6 helicopter was removed from the training program and students received 44 hours flying in the H-5.

Aviation History for Peoria and Fun Facts for Peoria

Sikorsky Helicopters - S - 300 C: the S-300C helicopter is supported by a worldwide network of service centers. This helicopter has proven its value in many diverse applications around the world, including personal transportation, military and civil training, aerial photography, law enforcement patrol, pipeline and traffic patrol, aerial application, aerial surveys and lift operations.


Fun Helicopter Facts for Prospect

When the National Security Act of 1947 created a separate U.S. Air Force, the Army and Air Force agreed that the Air Force would continue to train Army helicopter pilots. Army Training was accomplished in the Bell H-13 helicopter and Air Force in the R-5 and R-6.

Aviation History for Prospect and Fun Facts for Prospect

Sikorsky Helicopters - S - 300 Cbi: The thrill of flying helicopters safely and economically is what the S-300CBi helicopter is all about. The S-300CBi model creates a positive first impression to student pilots and helicopter experts alike. From the outside, the first impression is that it is solid, substantial and rugged.


Fun Helicopter Facts for Rockford

Vietnam Era Military Pilot Training: Back to the Army - 1970. This was the end of what we had known as the USAF Helicopter School where we took the students from beginning to end. In October 1970, Air Force student helicopter pilots began to receive training from Army and Civil Service instructor pilots at Fort Wolters, Texas. After graduation from the Army training qualified as first pilots in the UH-1, they would proceed to Sheppard AFB for Phase III combat crew training in UH-1F and CH-3C helicopters.

Aviation History for Rockford and Fun Facts for Rockford

Sikorsky Helicopters - S-76: The legendary S-76 helicopter operates successfully in more than 40+ countries on five continents, fulfilling its many missions in varied environmental conditions found worldwide.


Fun Helicopter Facts for Schaumburg

Post World War Military Pilot Training for Schaumburg: In 1965, the H-21 was phased out as training began in the CH-3C. During the fall/winter of 1965, the U.S.A.F. Helicopter School moved from Stead to Sheppard AFB, Texas. The H-19 was phased out in 1967 and replaced with the UH-1F. Students received 35 hours in the UH-1 and 35 hours in the H-43, or 70 hours in the UH-1, or 35 hours each in the UH-1 and CH-3C.

Aviation History for Schaumburg and Fun Facts for Schaumburg

Sikorsky Helicopters - S-76: The legendary S-76 helicopter operates successfully in more than 40+ countries on five continents, fulfilling its many missions in varied environmental conditions found worldwide.


Fun Helicopter Facts for Skokie

Post World War Military Pilot Training for Skokie: The military situation in Vietnam required that Vietnamese Air Force (VNAF) helicopter pilots be produced as rapidly as possible. In December 1962, the 917th Field Training Detachment (FTD) led by Col. Jimmy Hamill, was deployed at Tan Son Nhut AB, Saigon, South Vietnam. Instructors were taken from Stead and other ATC units to began VNAF helicopter pilot training in H-19B helicopters. During the following 18 months of its operation, the 917th FTD trained a total of 95 helicopter pilots and 92 mechanics.

Aviation History for Skokie and Fun Facts for Skokie

Sikorsky Helicopters - S-76D: The S-76D helicopter is truly the next step in helicopter technology, setting a new standard of excellence that S-76 helicopter operators have come to expect. Power and performance are enhanced by all composite main rotor blades and optimized Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engines with dual FADEC controls.


Helicopter History for Springfield

Post World War Military Pilot Training for Springfield: In April 1960, the H-43B fire-fighting course was started at Stead AFB. In 1961, the training programs were consolidated. All conversion students would receive 70 hours training in the H-19. Students then destined for H-43 assignments would receive 30 hours in the H-43 while those programmed for H-19 or H-21 assignments would be given 35 hours of H-21 training.

Aviation History for Springfield and Fun Facts for Springfield

Sikorsky Helicopter S-92: The S-92 helicopter is the most advanced aircraft in Sikorsky's civil product line, certified to the most stringent safety requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).


Helicopter History for Waukegan

Post World War Military Pilot Training for Waukegan: In July 1958, all Air Force helicopter pilot training moved to Stead. A total of 255 officers and airmen transferred. The students received 40 hours transition and instrument training and 30 hours operational tactics in the H-19 and 35 hours transition in the H-21.

Aviation History for Waukegan and Fun Facts for Waukegan

Sikorsky Helicopters - S - 300 C: The S-300C helicopter is known as one of the finest and most versatile piston-engine rotorcraft. Through a program of continuous design evolution and innovation, the S-300C model is even better than ever. Its maneuverability, responsive handling and outstanding range and endurance make the S-300C model ideal for a broad range of roles.


Helicopter History for Wheaton

Initially, the training objective was to provide enough instrument experience to get out of trouble in case a pilot encountered what we called \inadvertent IFR. We called that qualification a Tactical Instrument Card.

Helicopter Fun Facts for Wheaton

Eurocopter - AS550: The AS550 C3e Fennec is Eurocopters 2-ton class answer to Armed Forces requirements. Easy to operate in extreme and harsh conditions, this Armed Scout helicopter combines safety and performance.