Excellence in Flight Training Since 1994.
Come fly with us!
Located at Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling (IL), we offer comprehensive training programs for aspiring pilots. At Chicago Executive Flight School (CEFS) we have trained students to become pilots since 1994. CEFS has truly stood above the rest, focusing 100% on quality, safety, and time so you can be assured you are receiving the best training available.
For more information, call us at 1-800-901-0730.
For more information, call us at 1-800-901-0730.
4.6
125 reviews
Please call 1-800-901-0730 or fill our our contact form below and someone will get in touch with you.
Reviews
Posted on Google
Эмилия Ивах26 August 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Amazing experience with Luke! The flight was absolutely incredible, with beautiful views of Chicago and the lake. Luke was very friendly, professional, and made us feel comfortable the entire time. I even got to fly the plane myself for almost half of the flight, which made the experience even more special! Everything was explained clearly, and I felt safe and confident throughout the flight. It was such a unique and unforgettable experience. I would definitely recommend Chicago Executive Flight School to anyone who wants to experience flying and see Chicago from a completely different perspective! ✈️ Highly recommend!+2Posted on Google
Marty Chin (Zepto)6 November 2018Amazing experience. Very hands on! Jim showed me how to port the fuel to make sure their was no water , explained different parts of the plane and instruments very well. Not to mention an amazing flight around the skyline and back, Jim let me take control of the plane most of the time and even did some cool 0G nose dives for me and my friend . I would definitely recommend coming here to have a one of a kind experience!+2Posted on Google
Luke Cassar2 May 2025Taking a sightseeing lesson with this flying school was hands-down one of the most incredible experiences of my life! From start to finish, the instructors made the flight both educational and enjoyable, balancing expert guidance with a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Flying over Chicago’s breathtaking skyline, with views of Lake Michigan, the Willis Tower, and Navy Pier, was absolutely surreal. The instructor was knowledgeable and patient, ensuring I felt comfortable while also giving me the chance to get hands-on with the controls. Whether you’re a first-time flyer or someone looking to sharpen your skills, this school delivers an outstanding combination of professionalism, warmth, and pure excitement. I’d recommend it to anyone wanting a unique perspective of Chicago from the skies.Posted on Google
Aiden Thomas1 July 2025My flying journey started at this flight school and I cant recommend this place enough for anyone who wants to get into flying. My instructor Tom has been a great mentor and guide in the sky, as well as on the ground. He does a great job of teaching and being serious about operating a plane, but also creates an environment that makes me feel comfortable and confident at the controls. I look forward to continuing my journey here with Tom and obtaining my PPL.Posted on Google
David DiBiase24 June 2025Adrian Rogers has gone above and beyond helping me with my ground training lessons for my Private Pilot quest. He has also helped me with my Piloting skill sets, and he makes sure your understanding and retaining the lesson at hand.Posted on Google
William Marshall127 June 2025I am a student pilot who has been working with TJ and so far it has been a tremendous experience. TJ is very patient with me when I am confused on certain material, but also gives me the freedom to let me learn and dive into the world of flying with a sense of individuality. This structure and style of teaching is essential for me to evolve as a pilot, and it is evident in my progress so far. I am excited to continue working with TJ. I am excited to become a better pilot everyday, and a significant fraction of this excitement is due to my CFI (certified flight instructor). TJ amplifies my ability to become better and makes flying more of a structured progression rather than a “lesson”. I am thankful for the whole flight school (Executive) and everything all instructors have done for me so far! They are all great, but it is essential for me to highlight the fabulous experience TJ has provided because he is whom I have worked with and will continue to advance with.Posted on Google
Yifanova19 July 2025Flying here is an extremely pleasant experience!Truman is a very caring and professional flight instructor!+1Posted on Google
Miguel Roman1 July 2025Its honestly a great school with a lot of aviation knowledge and plenty of patience for new incoming students looking to learn about the aviation world. Thomas McNeill is one of the best flight instructors their and would highly recommend him. Its been a great flight at the school.Posted on Google
Gracie Scharrenberg27 June 2025I have been happy to be able to learn here at Chicago executive flight school, my instructor Adrian Rogers has been wonderful to fly with. He is someone who really cares about his job as well as seeing his students progress. The large amount of experience he has is evident by his developed teaching style and large wealth of knowledge. You can count on him to explain any challenging subjects and be encouraging! If you are thinking about taking lessons I would highly recommend taking them here!Posted on Google
David Pallchizaca22 June 2025Hello everyone My name is David P I had an incredible experience so far with Chicago Executive Flight School. Rayan, is my instructor he is one of the best. He is not only an excellent teacher but also incredibly patient and understanding, his way of teaching style made learning to fly an enjoyable experience. What I truly appreciated Rayan was with scheduling, working around my busy schedule with work he makes sure I could fit lessons in comfortably, very friendly and professional. I’m grateful for the great training and support I received from all the instructors and the staff.Posted on Google
Sam Soulari1 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Chicago Executive Flight School offers a solid and accessible pathway for those pursuing a Private Pilot License (PPL), especially for residents of Chicago’s northern suburbs. With its convenient location, varied fleet, and energetic team of Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs), the school provides strong value for aspiring pilots. However, some operational challenges come with the territory. Pros: • Convenient Location: Located at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK), the school is an ideal choice for those living in the northern suburbs, minimizing commute time and making frequent flying more manageable. • Reasonable Pricing: Rates are competitive for the region, offering good value given the quality of instruction and aircraft access. • Motivated CFIs: The school features a group of young, passionate, and knowledgeable instructors who are committed to helping students succeed. • Fleet Variety: A diverse selection of aircraft is available, generally well-maintained and suitable for PPL training. • Exceptional CFI – Jakob: One of the standout instructors is Jakob, who is consistently patient, professional, and clear in his teaching. His calm demeanor and methodical approach make him especially effective with newer students or those looking to build confidence in the cockpit. Cons: • Congested Airspace: Proximity to O’Hare’s Class B airspace means students must learn to navigate busy skies, which, while valuable experience, can be overwhelming at first. • Runway/Taxi Delays: High traffic levels at PWK, including jets and other GA aircraft, often result in wait times for departure, impacting scheduling efficiency. • Older Aircraft: While functional and maintained, many of the aircraft lack modern avionics like autopilot or glass cockpits, which may be a downside for students looking to train on more current systems. • Cook County Taxes: Higher local taxes add to the overall cost of training and can come as a surprise for some students. • Variable Professionalism: Though CFIs are generally skilled and professional, there have been isolated instances where certain instructors have acted less professionally in the presence of students. Overall Assessment: Chicago Executive Flight School is a strong choice for flight training, especially for students looking for convenience, affordability, and solid instruction. The experience offers both challenges and advantages—training in busy airspace builds valuable real-world skill, though it can increase stress and wait times. For those who have the right expectations and are ready to work in a dynamic training environment, this school offers excellent value—particularly if you’re lucky enough to train with CFIs like Jakob, who brings an exceptional level of patience and professionalism to the program.Posted on Google
NIKHIL PURI23 September 2025Zach Nystrom is an outstanding flight instructor! I’m working toward my private pilot license, and with my constantly changing work schedule, he’s been incredibly patient and flexible. He’s mature beyond his years, very easy to talk to, and always willing to explain things clearly—even multiple times when needed. Zach is highly knowledgeable and truly focuses on building the skills needed to become a safe, confident pilot. He also brings in other instructors to give students different perspectives, which is a huge plus and helps you learn to work with different styles and personalities—just like in the real world of flying. Highly recommend Zach to anyone starting their aviation journey!Posted on Google
Asha McCaughan30 June 2025Jakob Kjeldbjerg is an excellent instructor! He always makes sure his students are understanding concepts and having fun! ✈️🌎⭐️Posted on Google
Jolie Boyke28 June 2025ADRIAN ROGERS IS THE BEST FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR EVER!!! Adrian has been my instructor for almost two years, he soloed me, and he's going to sign me off for my checkride. Adrian always makes the lessons so much fun, and he never ceases to make me laugh or make a joke in the airplane. He takes flying and safety very seriously and although he does make learning to fly fun, it's always done with safety first. Adrian has made me a better student pilot by constantly pushing my limitations, such as flying in low ceilings and high winds. This I believe has made me a better, more competent pilot. The phrase, "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor" comes to mind, and he has definitely put that into practice, not just with me, but will all of his students! Thank you Adrian for everything you've taught me, experiences that you've given, and connections made!Posted on Google
Stuart Barlow12 July 2025Our instructor Jim was very welcoming from the onset. He explained everything really well and made things simple, and easy to understand.+0Posted on Google
Adi27 June 2025Just wanted to give a huge shoutout to my guy Raphael Schroepfer — pretty sure I was one of his first students at CEFS, but now I just get to say, “I knew him before he was fully booked.” 😄 Jokes apart, we still manage to find time that works for both of us, and it’s been an awesome experience learning with him. He’s incredibly calm, patient, and always eager to help out, no matter how many questions you throw at him. Whether it’s giving that added explanation or breaking something down even further, he’s always got your back. I’ve flown with a few other instructors at CEFS too — and I genuinely enjoy flying with them as well! Credit to Raphael for always looking out for ways to make sure I can keep flying, even when he’s busy with other students. That said, I’ve spent most of my flying hours with him, and I’m really happy to have him as my assigned primary instructor. We’ve built a solid understanding, and that makes every flight smoother and more fun. Also, hats off to the Chicago Executive Flight School for maintaining the planes well, and also creating such a supportive and fun vibe. Whether you're up in the air or just hanging out with the CFIs and other students, it’s a place you actually look forward to being at.Posted on Google
Nelson J.27 June 2025I am having an incredible experience at Chicago Executive Flight School, and I can’t recommend it enough! From day one, the entire team has been very professional, supportive, and genuinely invested in my success. The training is thorough, well-structured, and tailored to help me progress confidently. My flight instructor Adrian is absolutely incredible! Patient, knowledgeable, and encouraging, he has made every lesson not just educational but genuinely fun. Adrian has a talent for breaking down complex concepts into simple, understandable steps and always makes sure I feel confident before moving on. Safety is always his top priority, and his calm, reassuring presence makes even the most challenging maneuvers (and yes, there are quite a few!) feel manageable. Thanks to his expert guidance, I feel fully prepared and excited to continue my journey as a pilot. If you’re looking for top-notch flight training with a supportive team, this is the place to be.Posted on Google
Anton Llakmani27 June 2025Jacob is a great instructor. He's very thorough and consistent and has a lot of knowledge. I have learned a lot and enjoy working with him.Posted on Google
Line Guy9910 May 2025Great instructors and the owner is great to deal with too no issues!Posted on Google
Graham Gausnell28 June 2025This school is lucky to have an instructor like Jakob.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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