Mike Poznansky: Remembering a Stalwart of the Skies, Mentor, Leader, and Lifelong Advocate for Aviation Safety

A Final Farewell to Mike Poznansky: A Legacy Carved Into the Skies

The aviation world is united in grief following the devastating and unexpected passing of Mike Poznansky, a towering figure in the realm of general aviation, whose influence extended from small local hangars to the national policy tables of aviation safety and education. With his passing, the skies lose one of their most dedicated stewards, and a vibrant chapter in aviation history comes to a close.

Mike, a long-time resident of the Chicago area and former board member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), was more than just a respected pilot—he was a foundational voice in promoting safe, responsible, and inclusive aviation practices across the country. His leadership, mentorship, and unwavering passion for flight were the hallmarks of a life spent not just flying, but lifting others alongside him.

From his earliest days at the controls of a Cessna 172 to his influential role in shaping AOPA policy, Mike consistently exemplified what it meant to be a true aviator: curious, courageous, compassionate, and committed to the skies. His absence will be deeply felt by colleagues, mentees, friends, family, and the countless individuals whose lives he impacted both on and off the tarmac.

Early Roots: A Love of Flight Born in the Midwest

Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Mike Poznansky’s fascination with aviation began at an early age. He would often recount stories of lying in his backyard, watching commercial jets soar overhead, wondering about the mechanics of flight and the stories of the people onboard. His first experience inside a cockpit at age 11 was, in his own words, “life-altering.” From that point on, the sky was no longer a limit—it was a calling.

Mike earned his private pilot’s license at just 17, having worked after school and weekends at the local airport in exchange for flight time. His early mentors recognized something special in him: a relentless learner, a natural teacher, and someone who never lost sight of the joy in flying.

Climbing the Ladder: From Local Pilot to National Advocate

Mike’s journey through aviation was anything but ordinary. After obtaining his commercial and instructor ratings in his early 20s, he began flight instructing at small flight schools in Illinois. His students remember him not just for his technical knowledge, but for the genuine care he showed for their growth. He was patient, attentive, and always willing to spend extra hours explaining complex topics.

But Mike wasn’t content to stay grounded. As his reputation grew, he was invited to serve on regional aviation safety committees and was eventually appointed to a position on the Illinois Aviation Advisory Council. His advocacy for pilot training reform and airspace modernization earned him recognition from national organizations, and in 2013, he was elected to the AOPA Board of Trustees.

There, Mike played a crucial role in shaping policies that would benefit the general aviation community for years to come. He advocated tirelessly for funding programs that supported small airports, championed diversity in aviation, and spearheaded initiatives to modernize pilot certification and medical evaluation procedures.

An Educator at Heart: Inspiring the Next Generation

One of Mike’s most enduring legacies is the countless pilots he trained, mentored, and inspired. He believed education was the foundation of aviation safety and made it his mission to support students from all walks of life.

In 2016, he co-founded the Midwest Wings Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on providing flight training scholarships and STEM education programs for underrepresented youth. Under his leadership, the foundation grew from a regional initiative to a nationally recognized program, partnering with schools, aviation museums, and training academies to bring aviation into classrooms.

Mike also taught aviation ground school courses at community colleges and volunteered as a mentor for young pilots pursuing careers in the military, commercial airlines, and corporate aviation. Many of his former students have gone on to become airline captains, air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics, and flight instructors themselves—carrying forward the lessons and values he instilled in them.

A Voice in Washington: Navigating Policy and Regulation

While Mike’s heart was in the cockpit, his mind was equally effective in the boardroom. As an AOPA trustee, he was often invited to testify before the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) on issues ranging from airspace usage to safety standards. His testimony was marked by clarity, integrity, and a deep understanding of the real-world challenges facing general aviation pilots.

He was instrumental in advocating for the 2018 BasicMed Reform, which allowed private pilots to continue flying without a traditional medical certificate under certain conditions—a significant milestone that Mike championed as a practical, pilot-friendly solution. He was also a driving force behind legislation aimed at protecting local airports from closure due to urban development pressures.

Beyond regulations, Mike made it his business to build bridges between pilots, regulators, and community leaders. His philosophy was simple: aviation serves the community, and therefore must engage with it transparently, responsibly, and collaboratively.

Personal Legacy: A Man of Integrity and Heart

Outside of aviation, Mike was known for his warmth, humility, and unwavering support for those around him. He was a husband, father, brother, and friend—always the first to lend a hand, offer words of encouragement, or listen with an open heart.

His family described him as someone who “carried the sky within him, but never let his feet leave the ground when it came to the people he loved.” He had a knack for making everyone feel seen, valued, and respected. His home in Naperville, Illinois, was often filled with laughter, shared meals, and stories about flying, family, and life.

In his spare time, Mike enjoyed restoring vintage aircraft, hiking in the Pacific Northwest, and writing articles for aviation magazines. He was also an avid reader, often diving into history books and philosophical essays with the same passion he brought to flying.

A Community in Mourning

The news of Mike’s passing has rippled across the aviation community, prompting an outpouring of tributes, memories, and condolences from colleagues, students, and organizations nationwide.

The AOPA released a statement praising Mike as “a true visionary, a mentor to many, and a tireless advocate for general aviation.” The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) called him “a steady voice of reason and a beacon of inspiration.” Dozens of small regional airports lowered their flags to half-staff in his honor, and pilots across the country organized flyovers in tribute.

His former students shared hundreds of messages online, many recounting how Mike changed the course of their lives—not just through his instruction, but through his belief in them when they needed it most. One wrote, “Mike didn’t just teach me how to fly—he taught me how to believe in myself.”

Final Flight: Honoring a Life in Aviation

In a moving ceremony held at DuPage Airport, where Mike spent many of his early years flying and instructing, hundreds gathered to celebrate his life. Pilots flew in from across the Midwest to participate in a missing man formation flyover—an emotional aerial salute to a fellow aviator who has taken his final flight.

Speakers included former FAA officials, AOPA board members, local pilots, and members of Mike’s family. Each painted a portrait of a man whose life was guided by purpose, passion, and an enduring commitment to lifting others.

A memorial scholarship fund has been established in Mike’s name through the Midwest Wings Foundation. The Mike Poznansky Memorial Scholarship will support aspiring pilots in need of financial assistance, continuing his mission of opening the skies to all.

Conclusion: A Life That Soared

Mike Poznansky’s legacy is not defined by a single role or title—but by the thousands of lives he touched, the community he strengthened, and the skies he helped keep safe and open for future generations. His impact will be felt for decades, not just in the flight paths he charted, but in the values he championed: service, excellence, education, and compassion.

Though we now look up to the skies with heavy hearts, we also do so with gratitude—for the time we had with Mike, for the lessons he shared, and for the indelible imprint he leaves on the heart of aviation.

Blue skies and tailwinds, Mike. You will never be forgotten.

In Loving Memory: Mike Poznansky (1967–2025)
Pilot. Teacher. Advocate. Friend.