Central Illinois Air was established in 1992 by John R. Reed and Becky Reed. Rick by trade is an aerial applicator at the Coles County Airport and saw a need for a fixed base operator that could provide reliable service and rental aircraft to the community.

In 1999, Dominique and Shannon Youakim purchased Central Illinois Air from Rick and Becky. Dominique and Shannon have provided a new vision for the operation, and strive to provide a high level of professionalism.

Dominique Youakim is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. While attending the University he obtained his Associate, Baccalaureate and Masters Degrees. In addition, Dominique is an airframe and powerplant mechanic with inspection authorization, commercial and CFI in Fixed and Rotor Wing Aircraft. With over 16 years of aviation experience, and 10 years of corporate manufacturing experience, he has a solid foundation to help develop a plan to make your dreams become reality.

Shannon Youakim is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. While attending the University she obtained her Associate, Baccalaureate and Masters Degrees. In addition, Shannon is a commercial pilot, certified flight instructor, instrument instructor, and multi-engine instructor. With over 17 years of aviation experience combined with over 2500 of dual instruction and 3500 Total Time, she has an excellent foundation to make your aviation dreams come true.