According to the 2009 Uses and Benefits of Aviation in Iowa study, general aviation airports in Iowa contribute more than $187 million to the economy.
According to the Iowa DOT Office of Aviation, Iowa has 99 publicly-owned general aviation airports. According to the FAA, these airports serve 4,863 pilots and 2,868 active general aviation aircraft.
According to the 2009 Uses and Benefits of Aviation in Iowa study, general aviation airports in Iowa support 2,257 jobs, with an overall payroll of $72 million annually.
According to the same study, general aviation airports contribute $187 million annually to the state's economy. When considering the role general aviation airports play in supporting agriculture, general aviation airports make an annual economic contribution exceeding $400 million.
The FAA reports that Iowa is home to 33 repair stations, 5 FAA-approved pilot schools, 818 flight instructors and 1,039 student pilots. Flight training is also provided by independent flight instructor at many of the fixed-base operations around Iowa.
Additionally, there are 82 fixed-base operators in Iowa registered in the AC-U-KWIK directory. According to Helicopter Association International, there are 89 heliports in Iowa.
According to the University Aviation Association and the Iowa Department of Transportation, flight departments in Iowa include Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, University of Dubuque in Dubuque and Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa.