COLLEGE OF DUPAGE

The College of DuPage Aviation Management program offers students in the western Chicago suburbs a structured, two-year path to FAA pilot certification alongside an Associate of Applied Science degree. Based at College of DuPage's main campus in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, the program combines classroom instruction, Redbird flight simulator training, and actual flight operations through a partnership with Illinois Aviation Academy at DuPage Airport (KDPA) in West Chicago.

The program's courses are structured in compliance with 14 CFR Part 141, and students complete their practical flight training in Illinois Aviation Academy's fleet of Cessna 172S aircraft equipped with Garmin 430W avionics. The partnership with one of Illinois' most recognized flight schools ensures students receive quality instruction from experienced CFIs while earning college credit and working toward their AAS degree.

In 2024, the College of DuPage Aviation Management program was awarded $4 million in funding to expand its aviation and drone training capabilities, positioning the program for significant growth in both traditional pilot training and the rapidly expanding Unmanned Aircraft Systems sector. The program offers two tracks: a flight track for aspiring pilots and an aviation management track for those interested in ground-based aviation careers—making it one of the most comprehensive community college aviation programs in the Chicago region.