Illinois Field Directors

Field Director: Lee Hilbert

Call Lee: 908-310-3633

I grew up on a farm strip in Union, Illinois being surrounded by all sorts of aircraft, old, new and unique. Because my Father was so invested in aviation, we as kids did not have much of a choice; the disease was in our blood. We spent our summers at aviation events, and I do not think a day went by that aviation was not in some way part of it. That is where my passion for aviation adventure is rooted.

I have always looked for the adventure in what I do. And floatplanes very much add to that adventure. I have a Cessna 120(135HP) on straight floats, not your typical floatplane in today’s world. I keep my 120 on the Chain of Lakes in North-East Illinois. I have, and look forward to any adventure I can find. I have flown that little plane on float and wheels all over. On floats I have flown to 7 states including Northern Ontario fishing. On wheels I have had it to at least 10 states. Every spring I trailer launch that airplane, and land it in the grass in the fall, can’t pass up ski season.

I have been very fortunate to have flown over a dozen different types of seaplanes, and over 50 different types of land planes. I have never met an airplane I have not enjoyed flying for the adventure or challenge it can bring. And very seldom do I have and empty seat, if not my wife next to me and the dog in the baggage pit, then I find somebody who has not flown floats before or even in an airplane.

I have always tried to be a leader in aviation, and being a contributor to Seaplane Pilots Association is another way I can help others experience this great undertaking.