The Illinois Pilots Association

Support General Aviation in Illinois

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Photos from the 2009 Annual Meeting Thank you for visiting the Illinois Pilot's Association. We are a statewide organization of both pilots and non-pilots who are committed to preserving and advancing general aviation in the state of Illinois. The IPA is an affiliate of the United States Pilot Association. Currently the IPA consists of five local chapters, as well as additional "at-large" members. Local Chapters hold regular monthly meetings, monitor aviation interests in the their local area, hold social activities, and sponsor safety seminars.

At the state level, IPA monitors aviation issues across Illinois, including pending legislation. A state IPA Board of Directors meeting is held every other month at various airports around the state. The IPA sponsors a scholarship for an Illinois student pursuing a degree in an aviation-related field. The state IPA also holds an annual convention, and from time to time sponsors safety seminars, and various social activities. All IPA members receive a complementary subscription to the monthly magazine America's Flyways.

Membership is open to both pilots and non-pilots (if you do not hold a Pilot's Certificate you may join as an associate member.) If you would like to join, look for a chapter in your area. If there is no chapter in your area, we encourage you to consider starting one. The board of directors can assist you. For individuals where chapter affiliation is impossible or impractical, an "at-large" membership option is available.

- What's New at IPA -

2009 Annual Meeting Success

The 2009 IPA Annual meeting was held at the Dekalb Taylor Municipal Airport (KDKB) on Saturday, May 16. Some photos the successful Annual Meeting have now been posted!

USPA Changes

The IPA is currently a "state organization member" of the United States Pilots Association (USPA). At it's May 2009 meeting the USPA made some significant changes to its constitution. As of June 17, 2009 those changes had not yet been posted to the USPA website, but once they are a link will appear here. Two significant changes are: 1) USPA is changing from four quarterly meetings to a single annual meeting, and 2) all future meetings are to be held within 400 nm of Columbia, MO (which is the location USPA has determined to be the geographical center of its membership). In the meantime, the IPA board of directors is seeking input from all IPA members about whether the costs of IPA's continued membership in the USPA justifies the benefits. Chapter presidents will present a summary of the changes at their respective upcoming chapter meetings.

2009 IPA Scholarship winner announced

David Klemmer of Carpentersville, Illinois has been selected as the recipient of the 2009 Illinois Pilots Association memorial scholarship. David is a freshman at Lewis University, Romeoville.

New Membership Brochure

A New Membership Brochure has been developed. We want to keep our contact information up to date so that mailings can reach members in a timely manner. All members, both renewing and new are asked to print the brochure; fill out the form and return in to their chapter.

Campaigns to Counter Business Aircraft Misinformation

“We think it’s time the other side of the story be told, and that support be given to those businesses with the good judgment and courage to use business aviation to not only help their businesses survive the current financial crisis, but more quickly forge a path toward an economic upturn,” said Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton. Read the complete news release.

Looking to reinforce the value of business aviation to American workers, policymakers, companies and communities across the US, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) have unveiled a comprehensive new joint advocacy campaign with a familiar name: "No Plane No Gain."