Dominique J Youakim

Managing Member — Aerinova Aerial, LLC

Owner — Aerinova, Inc.

Early Life & Education

Dominique “Dom” Youakim grew up in Harvard, Illinois, where his fascination with aviation began early.
He went on to attend Southern Illinois University (SIU), earning a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology and an MBA in 1994.
Soon after graduating, Dom met Rick Reed of Reed’s Fly-On Farming and Central Illinois Air (CIA) at Coles County Memorial Airport — a meeting that confirmed his calling to aerial application.

From 1995 through 2005, Dom built a successful corporate career at a manufacturing facility, starting as a Floor Supervisor and advancing to Vice President of Manufacturing.
During that decade, his passion for flight never waned — he achieved his instrument rating, commercial rating, and tailwheel endorsement by 2000. That same year, he purchased 50% of Central Illinois Air, eventually acquiring full ownership by 2006. In addition he is currently a Instrument Flight Instructor in Fixed and Rotor Wing, Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP), Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic and an IA (Authorized Inspector)

In addition to fixed-wing aviation, Dom expanded his expertise as a dealer for Robinson Helicopters, representing one of the most respected names in rotary aviation.

Aerinova Aerial & Aerinova, Inc.

Between 2005 and 2012, Dom served as an aerial applicator for Rick Reed, honing his skills and deepening his understanding of agricultural aviation.
In 2013, Reed’s Fly-On Farming transitioned into Aerinova Aerial, LLC, while Central Illinois Air was reorganized as Aerinova, Inc., both under Dom’s ownership and leadership.

Today, Aerinova Aerial operates a modern fleet of Air Tractor 504, 502, 402, and 400 aircraft, providing aerial application services for pesticides, fertilizers, and insecticides. The company operates from Coles County Memorial Airport, Tuscola, and Paxton, Illinois, serving agricultural producers across the Midwest.

Industry Leadership

Dom has long been an active advocate for the aerial application industry. He was elected to the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) Board in 2009, representing Illinois.
Between 2009 and 2015, he served on numerous committees before becoming Vice President in 2016 and President in 2017.
He also served as President of the National Agricultural Aviation Research & Education Foundation (NAAREF) for two years — the safety and education arm of the NAAA.

Commitment to Safety & Education

Today, Dom continues to advance the mission of agricultural aviation safety as a PAASS Presenter for NAAREF and FAA FASTTeam Representative, traveling nationwide to share training and safety programs with fellow applicators.
His goal is clear and heartfelt: to strengthen safety practices throughout the aerial application community and, ultimately, to help save lives.

Managing Member

(217) 512-1000

Dominique@aerinova.com