Flying in Chicago
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 164
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From: 2nm due S EGLK
Flying in Chicago
Hello all,
Can anybody recommend anywhere in the Chicago are where I can hire an aircraft + instructor for a hour or so ("sightseeing" - I really don't want to bother with the whole Visa rigmarole)?
I will be staying in downtown Chicago, and ideally need somewhere that I can get to (and back from!) by cab.
Thanks!
TPK
Can anybody recommend anywhere in the Chicago are where I can hire an aircraft + instructor for a hour or so ("sightseeing" - I really don't want to bother with the whole Visa rigmarole)?
I will be staying in downtown Chicago, and ideally need somewhere that I can get to (and back from!) by cab.
Thanks!
TPK
Joined: May 2005
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 395
Likes: 160
From: Denmark
I did this a couple of years ago at www.windycityflyers.com. It's a bit out of town, you need to take the train north for 25 mins, and then a cab.
Last time I was in there I tried with a FBO at Midway, but was way too expensive, especially since they only did 3 hour blocks. Also, they say you can end up waiting 30 mins for takeoff, and that's expensive when you're paying by hobbs rather than tacho meter.
Last time I was in there I tried with a FBO at Midway, but was way too expensive, especially since they only did 3 hour blocks. Also, they say you can end up waiting 30 mins for takeoff, and that's expensive when you're paying by hobbs rather than tacho meter.
Life's too short for ironing
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,146
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From: Scotland, & Maryland, USA
Check out www.airnav.com and see what DuPage or Aurora or Joliet have to offer. Or just type "Chicago" in the airport section of airnav and that should come up with a list of all the airports in the Chicago area. If you have the time and the transport, Poplar Grove is an airpark on the outskirts of Chicago which is well worth a visit just for plane watching. They also have a museum there.
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 368
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From: Italy
I flew a Beech 23 with instructor at http://www.palwaukee-flyers.com/
Also managed a scenic flight with a local pilot in a Piper Cub
Also managed a scenic flight with a local pilot in a Piper Cub
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 123
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From: Gods Chosen Country
West Chicago
I too took the train ride out to West Chicago - they are not very frequent at weekends ! _ and rented a tidy Archer with a very experienced instructor for a simple circuit of the city - and to see Meigs while it was open.
PM if you would like the instrucors contact details
PM if you would like the instrucors contact details
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 52
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From: Darkest Midlands
I got back from Chicago about a week ago. I went up to Palwaukee (about 15 mins if you have a rented car) and hired the Debonair from Windy city flyers. Very nice aircraft, great instructors and a real pleasure flying in the States. Will definately be going back to them next time I'm in Chicago, and would reccomend them to a friend. Downtown Chicago is a really interesting flight - especially seeing where Meigs field used to be.
