Madeleine Monaco: A lifelong advocate for women in aviation

Monaco received her pilot’s license in 1978. “I was in my early 30s, had a good job and two great children, but I just wanted to accomplish more,” Monaco says. “It changed my whole life.”

With a career at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union (IBEW), Monaco flew out of Chicago Executive Airport with friends and family during her spare time. She also taught her brother and nephew to fly.

Teaching became her passion. “It’s amazing to see others have that exhilarating sense of accomplishment that I didn’t feel until I was more than 30 years old,” she says. “Especially girls and women because there are still so few of us in the air.”

Monaco has logged over 3,600 hours and owned several aircraft including a Cessna 172 and 150 as well as a Mooney M20J. The Chicago Executive Airport community remains central to her experience. “The gloriousness of aviation is truly the community,” she explains.

Her dedication led her to join the Chicago 99s – the local chapter of The Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots – where she has held leadership roles including as part of the International Scholarship Trust.

Additionally, Monaco co-founded the Chicago Executive Pilots Association which advocates for general aviation pilots following CEA's conversion from private to municipal status. She has served as President and board member and currently serves as Scholarship Chair.

Today, Monaco works part-time as an instructor at Chicago Executive Flight School helping young students earn their wings when they turn 16. She also teaches ‘Pinch Hitters,’ lessons enabling pilots’ spouses to land planes during emergencies. Her interests include aviation-themed films like ‘Top Gun Maverick,’ ‘Always,’ and ‘Project X.’ Ever ready for adventure, she continues taking passengers on flights.

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