Club in Chicago area for an orientation flight?

Ben Glick

Ben Glick

Filing Flight Plan
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Oct 26, 2021
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I am a newly minted private pilot, did all of my training and flying (so far) in NorCal. I'll be spending a month back home in Chicago. Does anyone know a club with which I could go up for an orientation flight with a CFI and then theoretically rent/solo? Thanks!
 
@kaiser is in a club up there, he might be able to help. Chicagoland is pretty big... might be helpful to narrow it down to a preferred airport or two.
 
Depending on where in the area you prefer, PWK, DPA and ARR. 06C as well but think it’s more of a member thing.

The own of IAA at DPA is Bob and has treated me right in the past.
 
Radar Contact said:
Depending on where in the area you prefer, PWK, DPA and ARR. 06C as well but think it’s more of a member thing.

The own of IAA at DPA is Bob and has treated me right in the past.
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Another vote for IAA and Bob.
 
I think I met Bob because one of his renters hit my plane. He seemed like a good dude and no issues with the insurance.
As a PPL, you are definitely looking for flying club more than flight school. Stick and Rudder out of KUGN and Leading Edge out of KPWK are both pretty good though a bit pricey. Partly on the club, but mostly because the airports are pricey. Or if you are going to be ringing the Hobbs meter, Westosha out of Kenosha can't be beat for per hour cost and gets you out from under the O'hare bravo too.
 
“Clubs” usually don’t lend themselves well to someone just being a member for one month though. Usually they’re aimed at long term membership.
 
Thanks for all of the suggestions! I'll be in the city itself so theoretically the closer the better - obviously there're none particularly close because of the looming ORD B. Probably PWK, 06C, and DPA make the most sense but I'm willing to drive a bit.
 
If home is Chicago, then you’ll recall how much traffic was an influence. I’d be sure to figure out which airport will be closest to you. Most airports will have operations in which you can get connected (PWK, 06C, 3CK, DPA, ARR).

Jim K said:
@kaiser is in a club up there, he might be able to help. Chicagoland is pretty big... might be helpful to narrow it down to a preferred airport or two.
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I fly out of DPA, mostly because of access to planes and it’s still fairly close (30 minutes by car). I’m a member of a club and connected with Illinois Aviation Academy (IAA).

Radar Contact said:
Depending on where in the area you prefer, PWK, DPA and ARR. 06C as well but think it’s more of a member thing.

The own of IAA at DPA is Bob and has treated me right in the past.
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06C has a club with a long waiting list and a flight school (unsure whether they rent anything out).

IAA (and Bob) are great. It’s a flight school, so large variety of planes - but they allow rentals. Flying with them will mean approx $500 deposit and a checkout with an instructor - my guess would be 3 touch and goes. Given the short term nature of your ask, it’s probably your best option. Also, lots of the local clubs are full.

I’m happy to connect with you when you’re in the area.
 
Anything near Gary? That might be less travel time for him.
 
NealRomeoGolf said:
Just walk over to Meigs.........

I'll show myself out. :nono:
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Man, I really wish I could. Having grown up in the twilight days of Meigs' existence and then becoming a pilot later, it would have been so cool to be able to fly from there.

But hey, at least they turned it into a nice park.
 
charheep said:
Anything near Gary? That might be less travel time for him.
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I will be on the north side of the city by the lake, and honestly GYY vs PWK vs DPA look like six of one, half a dozen of another. It's gonna be about an hour any direction... Leaning towards Bob at IAA/DPA because of all of these positive stories.
 
PWK is much more overpriced than the others from what I’ve seen.
 
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