by Jim Bildilli
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine December 2023 Digital Issue
In keeping with its annual tradition, the Illinois Division of Aeronautics announced its 2023 picks for “Airport and Heliport of the Year.” The presentations were made at the fall meeting of the Illinois Public Airports Association in Galena, Illinois.
The facilities are selected by Division of Illinois personnel based on the facility’s record of outstanding maintenance, outstanding safety record, customer satisfaction, community service and the promotion of aviation education within Illinois.
For 2023, the recipients are as follows:
• Willard Airport, Champaign: Primary Airport of the Year
• Lewis University Airport, Romeoville: Reliever Airport of the Year
• Mount Vernon Outland Airport: Large General Aviation Airport of the Year
• Salem-Leckrone Field: Small General Aviation Airport of the Year
• Tri-County Airport, Yates City: Private Airport of the Year
• Vertiport Chicago: Heliport of the Year
According to the recently completed Illinois Airport System Plan, there are 100 public-use, public and privately-owned airports, and heliports in Illinois. It also reports nearly 3,000 aircraft registered with the FAA. However, that number could be higher since some aircraft located in Illinois are actually registered in other states. The Illinois Airport Economic Impact Study estimates that aviation in Illinois supports more than 492,000 jobs, which equates to an estimated annual payroll of $21.9 billion and a total economic impact of $95.4 billion.
If you’d like to learn more about aviation in Illinois, the Illinois Aviation System Plan and the economic impact of aviation in the state, visit https://www.ilaviation.com/
