Press Release

Issued by Signature Aviation.

December 16, 2009

The officials and management of Chicago Executive Airport, today formally acknowledged Al Palicki for his 30 year career serving the airport and the aviation community. Palicki, presently Operations Manager for Signature Flight Support, began his journey at Chicago Executive Airport, then Palwaukee Municipal Airport, in 1979.  Looking for what he thought would be short stint working around airplanes; Al simply applied for a line staff position with Priester Aviation, then the airport owner. Little did he know at the time, this was the first step to a long and successful career in aviation. When in 2001, the facility was purchased by Signature Flight Support, Palicki was instrumental in the planning, design and development of Signature Flight Support as the thriving and successful FBO it is today.

Over the years Al Palicki has become one of the savviest individuals within the Midwest aviation community. He is widely known and has gained the friendship and respect of countless pilots, flight crews and aircraft owners. Airport manager Dennis Rouleau is among the many Palicki fans, "Al is a treasure. He is knowledgeable, gregarious, hardworking, disciplined and incomparably generous in spirit.  He continues to support Chicago Executive Airport in all of its events and endeavors." Another friend commented, "Al Palicki is solid. He is a guy with his head in the clouds and both feet on the ground."

Palicki's professional and personal life revolves around family, work and community. After hours, Al serves his community by sitting on the fire and police commission in the Village of Wheeling.  He is a Public Awareness at Chicago Executive (PACE) committee member and is active in the Wheeling Prospect Heights Chamber of Commerce & Industry.   Wife Carol, son Jon and daughter Aly share Al's enthusiasm and the family's goal of visiting every Major League baseball stadium in America. Twenty-one down, seven to go!

According to Mark Costa, General Manager at Signature Flight Support, "Al demonstrates a pronounced passion for his work. His dedication to his company, the airport and his community can be seen in and around the Chicago Executive Airport community. Al has, and continues to be, a vital force."