Supporting Flight Training and Finding Stories in Small Towns


With the new academic year just around the corner, I had the opportunity to return to the Kishwaukee Education Center at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (KDKB) to service their simulation devices. Keeping these systems running smoothly is essential as a new generation of students prepares to begin or continue their flight training journey.

Long exterior view of a municipal airport terminal building with empty parking lot.
Rural airfield with American flags and solar panel installation visible in the distance.
Small aircraft lined up on an airport tarmac under overcast skies.
Private planes parked in a dark hangar with maintenance equipment and tools visible.

DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport holds a unique place in aviation history. Originally constructed in the 1940s, the airport was used by the U.S. military for training purposes during World War II. In more recent decades, it became a developmental site for early drone aviation programs, contributing to the evolution of unmanned flight technology in the United States.

Red brick storefront buildings with classic architecture and tree-lined sidewalk.
Historic small town main street with brick buildings and vintage storefronts under blue sky.
Historic brick buildings and colorful flowers line a small town main street under bright blue skies.
Red vintage storefront buildings with classic architecture along a quiet small town street.
Gothic stone church with tall spire and blue doors photographed from multiple angles.
Downtown street view showing brick commercial buildings and storefronts in a small Midwestern town.
Urban streetscape with vintage lampposts, sidewalks and classic movie theater marquee.
Neoclassical government building with columns and manicured lawns shown from various angles.
Historic limestone courthouse with decorative architectural details and monuments photographed in sections.
Row of yellow and tan commercial buildings lit by evening sunlight along a small town street.
Aerial view of small town main street with brick buildings and parked cars.
Aerial view of historic brick buildings and winding paths on a university or institutional campus.

Sycamore, Illinois

One of the most rewarding aspects of these service trips is getting to experience the character and charm of small-town America. Just a short drive from the airport, I found myself in Sycamore, Illinois—a picturesque town with a deep-rooted history. Sycamore serves as the county seat of DeKalb County and is known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, annual Pumpkin Festival, and strong sense of community. Originally settled in the 1830s, the town has preserved much of its historic downtown, making it a favorite stop for photography and exploration.

Bruce Griffith

Interior of a rustic brick-walled restaurant with pendant lighting and exposed ceiling beams.

The aviation program at Kishwaukee Education Center is led by Bruce Griffith, a name that carries weight in this region’s aviation circles. I can say without hesitation that many young aviators owe their earliest experiences in the sky to Bruce’s dedication, mentorship, and passion for flight education. He has created an environment that bridges classroom learning with real-world aviation, and it’s always a privilege to support that mission in any way I can.

Red brick commercial buildings with classic architectural details along a small town intersection.
Historic yellow brick church building with multiple Gothic spires and arched windows in panoramic view.
Exterior views of a traditional yellow stone church with Gothic architectural features and bell towers.
Long brick commercial building facade with American flag and storefront windows.
Historic red brick commercial buildings along a small town main street with parked vehicles.
Row of vintage brick storefronts and commercial buildings on a sloped small town street.
Panoramic view of historic commercial buildings with various vehicles parked along the street.
Continuous streetscape of connected brick commercial buildings with parked cars in a downtown setting.
Series of connected limestone commercial buildings with classical architectural details in downtown area.

 

On my way to Sycamore, I passed through Marengo, Illinois, another town that’s rich with midwestern heritage. Founded in the 1830s, Marengo played an early role in Illinois’ railroad expansion and was a key agricultural hub in the region. Its historic downtown and preserved early-American buildings make it a visual treat, especially for those who appreciate the intersection of history and small-town charm.


Below are some images from my visit—highlighting both the technology we maintain and the timeless beauty of the towns I passed through.

 

Aircraft cockpit instrument panel showing blue horizon displays and flight controls.
Modern airplane cockpit view with digital displays showing blue sky conditions.
Flight simulator cockpit setup with multiple monitors and control panels showing instrument displays.
Wide-angle view of a home flight simulator with wooden paneled walls and blue sky displays.
Panoramic view of flight simulator displays showing cockpit instruments against a dark background.
Multiple monitor flight simulator setup displaying aviation instruments and blue sky scenery.
Flight simulator panorama showing instrument panels and virtual horizon against ocean backdrop.
Wide view of flight simulator screens showing runway approach and instrument readouts.
Home flight simulator room with wood paneling and multiple monitor displays.

 

Flight simulators have revolutionized aviation training by offering students a safe, cost-effective, and immersive way to build skills and confidence before ever leaving the ground. They allow aspiring pilots to experience a wide range of flight scenarios—from basic maneuvers to complex emergency procedures—all within a controlled environment. This kind of repetition and exposure is invaluable in helping students develop decision-making, situational awareness, and muscle memory early in their training. Simulators also reduce the wear and tear on aircraft and help make aviation more accessible to educational programs across the country. Simply put, they are a powerful tool that accelerates learning while upholding the highest standards of safety.