What is Aircraft Operations Counts

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is conducting a statewide aircraft operations count study to better understand aviation activity across Illinois. Building on previous aircraft monitoring efforts, the study will expand data collection to airports throughout the state, including non-towered and primary airports.

The study will provide consistent aircraft activity data to help IDOT and Illinois airports better understand how the state’s aviation system is being used and support future planning and investment decisions.

Aircraft operations data will be collected using the Virtower aircraft monitoring system. Kimley-Horn will process and analyze the collected data and develop statewide findings and reporting for IDOT.