Illinois, USA – Aviation education provider Spartan Education Group, which owns several pilot and aircraft maintenance training institutions across the US, flight training organisation Illinois Aviation Academy has received official approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) to train Vietnamese pilots under internationally recognized standards.

• With CAAV approval, IAA can now welcome Vietnamese students into programs aligned with both FAA and CAAV requirements. Graduates complete training in the U.S. before converting their licenses and qualifications for use in Vietnam.

• Training at IAA provides exposure to complex U.S. airspace, varied weather conditions, and advanced facilities, preparing cadets for international airline operations.

• IAA operates from DuPage County Airport (KDPA) near Chicago with a 30,000-square-foot training facility, a fleet of over 30 aircraft, and a simulator-equipped satellite base at DeKalb Airport.

• The school has over 30 years of experience, offering programs from Private Pilot through Certified Flight Instructor, with additional advanced ratings and ground school.

• IAA joins a select group of U.S. academies authorized to train for the Vietnamese market, reflecting both its credibility and the rising importance of international training cooperation.

Statements

• “From the first day of training, we provide students with personalized support from experienced instructors. They gain experience flying in a wide range of weather conditions and navigate complex airspace from well-equipped airports,” said Robert Werderich, Executive Vice President of Illinois Aviation Academy.

In June of 2025 SEG hosted a delegation from Vietnam’s low-cost carrier VietJet at its Illinois Aviation Academy facility to explore collaborative training efforts and regulatory alignment.

• VietJet representatives visited Illinois Aviation Academy, a flight school acquired by Spartan Education Group in October 2024.

• The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration on pilot training techniques and ensure alignment with CAAV (Vietnamese Civil Aviation Authority) certification standards.

• Discussions were held between VietJet officials and the Spartan leadership team on potential future training pathways for Vietnamese cadet pilots.

Source: Spartan