Aviation is an integral part of Iowa’s economy and way of life. Air transportation provides needed connectivity and moves people and goods to their destinations quickly and efficiently. Aviation activities also accommodate important services that Iowan’s rely on such as aerial survey, national defense, air medical transport, and search and rescue operations. Support of flight operations and the movement of people and goods additionally stimulate the need for a broad range of products and services that create jobs and further stimulate Iowa’s economy.
Significant levels of activity occur in every category of aviation in Iowa, including commercial, military and general aviation.
Commercial Air Services
Iowa's eight commercial service airports process more than 4 million passengers annually. Nearly 40 percent of air travelers at commercial airports are visitors and more than half are traveling for business purposes. Nearly 40 percent of air travelers at commercial airports are visitors and more than half are traveling for business purposes.
Military Aviation
Airports and airspace in Iowa are used to support military aviation activities involving national defense operations, training exercises and emergency response. From the operation of fighter jets, helicopters and aerial refuelers to providing aerial surveillance and command, military tenants at four commercial airports and two general aviation airports in Iowa are key users of Iowa’s aviation system.
Army National Guard helicopter operations are located in Boone, Davenport and Waterloo. Air National Guard units are located in Des Moines (132nd Fighter Wing), Fort Dodge (133rd Test Squadron) and Sioux City (185th Air Refueling Wing). Additionally, the Civil Air Patrol utilizes airports throughout Iowa to provide search and rescue, disaster relief, and other support of military and civilian events.
General Aviation
General aviation includes all aviation activities other than commercial air service and military operations. It is estimated that 88 percent of all flights in Iowa are general aviation related. Following are some typical general aviation uses in Iowa.
List items for General Aviation in Iowa
Business aviation involves companies and individuals using aircraft to conduct business activities. Business aircraft range from smaller single and twin engine airplanes to large business jets and carry company employees working in sales to technicians providing customer support.
Advantages of business aviation include increased productivity, better access to communities, the ability to adjust itineraries, and the ability to quickly react to customer and other business needs. Iowa business aviation users report the top uses for their aircraft include conducting customer visits, visiting branch locations, visiting vendors, and bringing customers into their facilities.
See graphic that demonstrates how event small single engine aircraft can be time machines for companies doing business in Iowa.
Nearly 135 million pounds of air cargo is moved through airports in Iowa every year. From large air freight facilities at commercial airports to point deliveries by smaller aircraft at general aviation airports, the timely transportation of cargo keeps Iowa’s economy moving.
Agricultural operations occur from most airports in Iowa. The application of fungicides, insecticides, and other crop treatments help farmers in their efforts to increase yields and keep Iowa a world leader in agricultural production.
Approximately four million of acres of crops are treated by air each year.
Personal aviation includes the use of private aircraft for personal flying and travel. In addition to private aircraft flying to Iowa and flying through the state on their way to other destinations, there are approximately 3,400 Iowa-based aircraft and 4,000 Iowa pilots who are users of the air transportation system in Iowa.
When emergency medical care is needed, time is a critical factor in saving lives. The availability of helicopter and fixed wing transport augments the capabilities of rural community hospitals and enhances the accessibility of advanced medical services to all Iowans. More than 4,000 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) missions are flown each year in Iowa. Aviation is also used to transport healthcare professionals, organs, blood, and medical equipment. Every hour of every day, pilots, mechanics, support staff and medical crews are ready to fly if and when you need them.
Law enforcement organizations utilize aircraft for surveillance, pursuit, search and rescue, traffic enforcement and prisoner transport.
Air charter companies are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide point to point air transportation services for private individuals, business people, and time-sensitive cargo. Air charter providers allow users to experience the advantages of general aviation without aircraft ownership.
A variety of specialty aerial services are provided in the skies over Iowa that provide benefits to all Iowans’. These services include news and sports reporting, aerial survey and photography, helicopter crane services, gas pipeline and electrical line patrol, mosquito control services, and even tree clearing along railroad right of ways using specially fitted helicopters. Specialty aviation services are broad and provide important contributions in Iowa.
Whether building a kit aircraft, jumping out of a perfectly good airplane, taking a scenic flight in a hot air balloon, or soaring the thermals in a non-motorized glider, aviation offers a host of fun ways to enjoy the experience of being airborne.
Becoming a pilot is a rewarding experience that opens up a whole new world of possibilities for business and personal travel. Flight instruction is available at airports throughout Iowa. More information on learning to fly is available by visiting your local airport or the following link: Learning to fly.
