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The Harold E. White Center is a multi-million-dollar flight center that is home to the Lewis University Flyers. Aviation majors offered include Air Traffic Control, Aviation Administration, Flight, Maintenance and Aerospace Technology, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The Department also offers a master's degree in Aviation and Transportation Studies.
Move Inside -- Trophy Case
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Lewis University aviation programs are FAA-approved and nationally recognized. Our aviation program received the prestigious Loening Trophy which recognizes the top collegiate aviation program in the country. The Lewis flight team competes with more than 80 schools across the country in numerous aviation events and typically ranks in the Top 10.
Dispatch Center
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Located down the hall is the flight dispatch center. This area is used by students to check in for their flight lessons, get their aircraft assignments and take care of necessary paperwork before and after their flight. On either side of the dispatch center are the ground instruction rooms. These areas are used for pre-flight and post-flight briefings as well as ground lessons with students.
Hangars and Airport Runways
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Directly outside, there are five aircraft hangars where the University houses its training fleet of 26 aircraft, featuring 15 Cessna 172S models with Garmin 1000 glass cockpits. The airport with its north-south and east-west runways and multiple instrument approaches is the largest airport in Will County and fifth busiest airport in Illinois. Lewis is one of only a few Universities in the country to have an airport directly on campus.
MD-80
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Located outside of the maintenance hangar is an MD-80 airliner donated by American Airlines. While it has been retired from commercial service, all of its systems are fully functional and it serves as an outstanding teaching environment used for large aircraft operations and familiarization.
Br. Neil Kieffe, FSC, Aviation Maintenance Building
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The Aviation Maintenance Building is where students learn the details of how aircraft are built, operated and maintained. Each lab specializes in different aspects of aviation technology including instrumentation, avionics, electrical, fuel and ignition, and various propulsion systems. Using Snap-on tools, students receive hands-on experience in aircraft construction, operation, maintenance and repair. The hangar houses approximately 10 aircraft and various training aids including test cells and system mockups that are used for direct application of what students have learned in the classroom. Around the perimeter of the hangar are a variety of shops where students can further practice what they have learned and develop their expertise. Our graduates have the experience and understanding to immediately step into an exciting career.
Air Traffic Control Simulation Room
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Our panoramic Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) is merged with 12 Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) and Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) radar positions and creates a realistic and dynamic educational experience for Air Traffic Control majors. With the ability to link Enroute, Approach, and Tower simulators, our future Air Traffic Control Specialist candidates engage in and master air traffic procedures in preparation for a career where proficiency, safety, and efficiency are top priorities.
Air Traffic Control Tower
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The Chicago/Romeoville KLOT ATC Tower will provide increased safety and makes the Lewis University Airport a larger hub for commercial air traffic. At least seven new full-time controllers will be employed at the tower, and plans are underway to finalize commitments for additional aircraft maintenance and storage operations at the airport.
The $8.2 million nine-story tower was funded through support from the Federal Aviation Administration, the State of Illinois and Joliet Regional Port District.
Unmanned Systems Laboratory
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The Unmanned Systems lab is home to a variety of platforms that operate autonomously under the direction of our operators. These range from small and large multi-rotors, various fixed wing aircraft and even submersible and ground vehicles. Building, repairs and troubleshooting can all be accomplished onsite thanks to our soldering stations, electrical tools and multiple 3D printers able to print in a variety of materials.
With state-of-the-art facilities, an ideal location, advanced technology, and experienced faculty and staff who have numerous industry partnerships, Lewis provides nearly 800 students with a leading aviation education. Our graduates are in high demand, often recruited right out of the classroom. Boeing forecasts 1.5 million pilots and technicians will be needed by 2035. The opportunities in this exciting and well-paid field are taking off. We hope you become a Lewis Flyer.
