Welcome to the Division of Aeronautics website!

The mission of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics is to further safe and efficient air travel throughout Illinois. The Illinois State Aviation System is one of the largest in the nation - it’s comprised of over 870 individual landing facilities. It’s also quite diverse - Illinois is home to everything from O’Hare International Airport, to Municipal General Aviation Airports, to private grass strips in farmers’ backyards. The services we provide to the public are as varied as our landing facilities. We assist with the creation, improvement and continued operations of public airports through financial assistance, inspection and technical oversight.

We provide aviation safety and education programs to pilots, aircraft owners, mechanics and industry professionals, and we operate and maintain a number of aircraft in support of state government operations.The Division of Aeronautics accomplishes its mission and services through five bureaus: the Bureau of Airport Engineering, the Bureau of Aviation Safety, the Bureau of the South Suburban Airport, the Bureau of Air Operations, and the Bureau of Administrative Services.

I hope you find what you are looking for on our website. If you have any questions or suggestions, please e-mail them to aero@dot.il.gov and we will get back to you!

Fly High…  Fly Safely…

Susan Shea
Director, Division of Aeronautics

Aeronautics In Action

(click on pictures to enlarge) Several Aero staff had the opportunity to tour a school soundproofing effort that is part of O'Hare International Airport's Noise Mitigation Program. Hitch Elementary School in Chicago was one of the recipients of soundproofing measures including new air conditioning units, insulation, noise reducing windows, and other renovations. Funding was made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), more commonly known as the Stimulus Bill. Pictured next to one of the school’s existing boiler units are Lindsay Butler, FAA Regional Environmental Specialist for the Great Lakes Region, and Director Susan R. Shea, Ph.D.

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