Chicago Executive Airport honors couple's dedication through "Airport Spotlight

“I love working with the children through the program,” Carol said about the experience. “It’s one of my happy places, and a way to give back by sharing my love of aviation with them.”

During rallies, Carol answers questions from parents, assists with registration, assigns children to pilots, and ensures events run smoothly. She has earned the nickname “Donut Dolly” for bringing fresh donuts as a token of appreciation for volunteers' hard work. After rallies, Carol and Steve tally how many children flew before sending registration forms to Oshkosh, WI's Young Eagles office for entry into the World’s Largest Logbook. They also send follow-up reports to every volunteer.

“The Young Eagles program is wonderful but would not be successful without ground volunteers, pilots, Signature Flight Support and Chicago Executive Airport,” Carol explained.

While Carol managed ground activities, Steve flew Young Eagles in his Grumman Tiger until retiring last year when he joined ground support.

“Flying has been part of my life for a long time,” Steve said. “I learned how to fly in 1990 when I got my license then bought my first plane shortly after that.”

Steve initially purchased a Cessna 150 followed by a Grumman Tiger. He flew locally and on trips to destinations such as the Bahamas and Yellowstone.

Through their service years with Young Eagles, Carol and Steve have many memorable stories. One student who flew several times with Steve is now preparing for an aviation career due to his positive experiences. Another notable story involves Steve giving his cousin from Ft. Myers a flight that inspired him; he is now studying at Florida Institute of Technology aiming to become a professional pilot.

The MacCabes’ dedication has earned them recognition over time. In 2005, Harrison Ford presented Carol an award for “Outstanding Young Eagles Field Representative.” In 2021, Steve reached his milestone by flying his 500th Young Eagle and received recognition from EAA with a “500 Mission Young Eagles” plaque.

As part of their recognition in "Airport Spotlight," they were honored at CEA's October board meeting for their dedication to both community service and the Young Eagles program.

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