What It's Like Studying Aviation at Lewis University

When people ask why I chose Lewis University, the answer is simple: location, location, location. Lewis sits in Romeoville, Illinois — about 25 minutes from Chicago Midway (MDW) and 40 minutes from O'Hare (ORD). For someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes aviation, there's no better place to study.

The Aviation Management Program

Lewis University's Aviation Management program is designed for students who want to work in the business side of aviation — airline operations, airport management, logistics, safety, and administration. It's not a flight training program (though Lewis offers those too), but rather a comprehensive degree that prepares you for leadership roles in the aviation industry. The curriculum covers aviation law and regulation, airport operations and management, airline management and economics, aviation safety and security, air traffic control systems, and aviation technology and sustainability.

What I appreciate most is how practical the program is. We don't just read textbooks — we analyze real case studies from airlines, visit airport operations centers, and hear from guest speakers who are actively working in the industry.

Why Location Matters

Chicago is the aviation capital of the Midwest, and arguably one of the most important aviation markets in the world. O'Hare consistently ranks among the busiest airports globally, and Midway is Southwest Airlines' largest focus city. Having both airports within easy driving distance means I can study airport operations in class and then go observe them firsthand the same afternoon.

Lewis also has its own airport — Lewis University Airport (LOT) — right on campus. It's a general aviation field, so you see everything from Cessna training flights to corporate jets. Between classes, I'll sometimes walk over to the ramp and watch touch-and-goes while reviewing notes. It's hard to beat that kind of daily aviation immersion.

Balancing School and Plane Spotting

This is where The Airplane Girl was born. Between classes and homework, I started spending more and more time at airports filming with my DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and iPhone. What started as a way to decompress turned into a full content project. Lewis's proximity to major airports means I can do a quick spotting session at Midway after my Tuesday classes, or plan a longer shoot at O'Hare on weekends.

The aviation management coursework has actually made me a better spotter. Understanding approach procedures, runway configurations, and airline scheduling helps me predict traffic patterns and position myself for the best shots. When you know that United's Frankfurt flight lands at O'Hare around 2 PM on a 777, you can plan your afternoon around catching it.

The Student Aviation Community

Lewis has an active aviation community with student organizations, industry networking events, and career fairs that connect students directly with airlines, airports, and aviation companies. Many alumni work at O'Hare, Midway, and airlines across the country. The program's reputation in the Chicago aviation community opens doors that are hard to access from other schools.

Advice for Aspiring Aviation Students

If you're considering aviation management as a major, here's what I'd tell you: pick a school near a major airport. The classroom education is important, but the real-world exposure you get from being near active aviation operations is invaluable. Lewis gives me both — a strong academic program and a front-row seat to one of the busiest aviation markets in the world.

And if you're already a plane spotter thinking about turning your hobby into a career? Aviation management might be the perfect path. You already have the passion — a degree gives you the credentials and industry knowledge to turn that passion into a profession. Follow me @avgirl4k for daily aviation content from the Chicago area and reach out if you have questions about studying aviation at Lewis.