WE PARTNER WITH THE BEST TO BE THE BEST.
We value our academic and industry partners. They generously provide with the relationships and resources that enhance our ability to bring our pilots a top-flight, valuable education.
Academic Partners
Western Michigan University
The largest flight school in the Midwest, WMU's College of Aviation boasts over 900 undergrads and a first-rate reputation. Start with earning your associate's at Parkland then transfer to WMU to complete your bachelor's, backed by 75 years of excellence and prepared to take on the skies.
Lewis University
Featuring Illinois's oldest aviation school, Lewis offers seven aviation programs for those Parkland students that wish to complete a bachelor's degree. Located in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, was recently ranked in the Top 20 of Catholic Colleges nationwide with high starting salaries for graduates, nationally recognized as a top college by US News & World Report and The Princeton Review, and named a Top 5 Best Private College Value in the Midwest.
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Students who transfer from Parkland with an Associate degree in aviation may elect to obtain a Bachelor of Applied Studies in Aviation Management.The UW Oshkosh coursework is 100% online and designed to help students advance their career and become industry leaders. With a focus on establishing leadership and administration skills, the aviation management program builds upon a student’s existing knowledge and fosters professional development.
Corporate Partners
Republic Airways
Founded more than 40 years ago as the small turboprop commuter Chautauqua Airlines in Jamestown, NY, Indianapolis-based Republic Airways Holdings has grown into one of the nation's largest regional carriers, with more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue, a fleet of about 200 aircraft and approximately 1,000 scheduled daily flights to 110 cities in the US, Canada and the Caribbean. The Institute’s partnership with Republic gives our students access to pilot expertise, information about trends in the industry, and how the hiring process works. Additionally, it guarantees a job interview to students who qualify through the Cadet Program.
Air Wisconsin
Operating as a regional airline in the United States since 1965, Air Wisconsin Airlines performs flying services for United Airlines as United Express throughout the Midwest, East Coast, and as far as west as Denver, CO. Our team members are dedicated to making our travelers' experiences safe and pleasant. With service to approximately 70 cities throughout North America, we carry an estimated 6 million passengers a year and help unite the world by bringing passengers from their hometowns large and small to hubs that provide them with a gateway to countless travel destinations. Pilots still building their hours and experience towards ATP minimums can enjoy employment through our Airman Trainee position with just a commercial certificate with instrument rating and as little as 250 hours of total time. Airman Trainees enjoy unique mentorship opportunities while learning about Air Wisconsin. Once they reach their minimums, an abbreviated technical interview is all that is needed to welcome them to a First Officer training class.
GoJet
GoJet offers more pathway programs than any other regional airline. Its Wingman program provides mentoring and internships to students while they build flight time. Upon completion of ATP minimums, Wingman participants become GoJet First Officers. And Aviate, United Airlines' career development program, offers pilots the most direct path to a United flight deck. GoJet pilots are eligible to apply directly to Aviate and transition to a United First Officer. Based in St. Louis, Chicago, Newark and Richmond, GoJet flies as a United Express Carrier, serving over 1 million passengers a year, and is the exclusive operator of the revolutionary Bombardier CRJ-500 aircraft.
Flightstar Corporation
Flightstar has served as Willard Airport’s fixed-based operator since 1978, and has grown to employ over 120 people. With its 10,000 square foot terminal facility and 68,000 square foot maintenance facility, Flightstar’s state-of-the-art operation includes line operations, flight operations, and maintenance and avionics operations. Flightstar provides scholarship opportunities for Institute students as well as an interview opportunity for qualifying students or graduates of the program for any upcoming pilot positions. The goal of the interview program is to increase Flightstar’s access to qualified applicants for employment in pilot positions while also increasing employment opportunities for Parkland’s qualified flight graduates.
Frasca International
Founded in 1958 by Rudy Frasca, an aviation pioneer, Frasca’s goal has always been to build the highest-quality flight simulators available. Over five decades later, and with an installed base of over 2,600 products in 70 countries, Frasca has become an established and trustworthy leader in flight simulation. The company believes that aviation safety is enhanced by providing pilots with a highly accurate and realistic training experience, and takes great pride in its unparalleled engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
ForeFlight
The ForeFlight Educational Licensing Program (ELP) is a volume licensing program for accredited aviation programs which allows institutions to offer ForeFlight services at a discount to their faculty and students.They help train the pilots of the future with the technology offered today by providing pilots flight training, charts, aviation weather, airport information, document management, and more.
Parkland Point
Located steps from the college, Parkland Point offers luxury campus living and a structured student environment. The property features a 24-hour staffed, gated community, along with resort-style swimming pool, monthly gatherings, and weekly study groups.
The Village at Colbert Park
Located close to Willard Airport and the Institute in Savoy, the Village offers top quality campus living, in a convenient location. The property features a 24-hour fitness center, pool and sundeck, study and gaming space, resident social events, individual leases, fully-furnished apartments and free parking. Shuttle service is available to airport and Parkland's main campus.