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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.

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4.6

125 reviews

Tailored Flight Training

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Reviews

       EXCELLENT  
   Based on 136 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Caroline Jensen 
 1 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started working on my Private License a few months ago. The school is set up in a way for you to be successful. I have had a great experience and am learning quickly. My instructor Adrian is great!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Paolo Atallah 
 1 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The way the school work is amazing, especially my instructor is great, he’s helped me out so much! I’ve learned so much from him! Overall this school is great, it’s efficient. The planes are also amazing, I love flying the planes! Overall I love this school
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Keith Miller 
 20 May 2019
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chicago Executive Flight School is definitely a trusted source for Pilot training in my book. Jim and his instructors will go out of there way to make sure you get the training you are looking for.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Miguel Roman 
 1 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Its 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  
   
   NIKHIL PURI 
 23 September 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Zach 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  
   
   Ed Chévere 
 26 October 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great instruction from my primary instructor Ryan as well as Caley and Adrian!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Alejandro Rodriguez 
 31 August 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hello! I recently went on a total immersion flight and let me tell you, this has got to be one of the best experiences i’ve ever had. Caley was our Flight Instructor and not only is she really down to earth, but she does such a wonderful job explaining what is going on to someone who’s never flown before. TJ is also a great person to have! TJ helped with the ground portion of the flight and explained how clouds and all kinds of factors go into having a nice and safe flight. I will definitely have to come back. Again, thank you Caley for such an amazing flight and Tj as well!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   P R Condo 
 10 September 2021
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My son took his first flight lesson here and absolutley loved it! He couldn't stop singing his instructor Logan's praises. He said everyone was friendly and professional and he will be coming back for more lessons very soon.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Stuart Barlow 
 12 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Our instructor Jim was very welcoming from the onset. He explained everything really well and made things simple, and easy to understand.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Gracie Scharrenberg 
 27 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I 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  
   
   Michael 
 5 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I completed my private pilot training at Chicago Executive Flight School, and I truly can’t speak highly enough about the quality of instruction I received particularly from my instructor, Zachary Nystrom. I got assigned zach with a few hours from a previous instructor but hadn’t made much real progress. That completely changed when I started flying with Zach.

From the start, he brought a level of consistency, and patience that made every lesson feel purposeful and enjoyable. He has a unique ability to keep things grounded and understandable without oversimplifying. He’s not just knowledgeable he’s relatable, approachable, and has a sense of humor that made long days around the airport feel more like time well spent than a task to get through. He created an environment where learning actually felt enjoyable, which is particularly rare for me and incredibly valuable.

What really set Zach apart was his investment in my progress. He went above and beyond not only during regular lessons, but especially as my checkride approached. He put in extra time with me on both ground and flight prep, and even chose to stay back from attending Oshkosh so he could make sure I had the time and support I needed to feel completely ready. That kind of dedication isn’t something you come across often, and I credit much of my success on the checkride to the work we put in together.

The aircraft at the school were overall in good condition. While the avionics leaned more toward the traditional side, I found that to be a benefit rather than a drawback. Training without modern automation pushed me to really build strong core skills particularly with navigation and situational awareness that I know will serve me well going forward.

Chicago Executive Flight School is a solid place to train, and I’d definitely recommend it. But more importantly, if you have the chance to work with Zach Nystrom, take it. He’s a knowledgable instructor, a great communicator, and someone who clearly takes pride in his students succsess not just a checkride pass.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   David Pallchizaca 
 22 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hello 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  
   
   michael maitar 
 17 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I took many flight lessons there years ago. The CFIs were absolutely incredible and patient. Unfortunately I was too busy in my work to finish, but hopefully planning to come back in the next 4-5 months, this time to go all the way. I believe the management is still the same and that’s where the winning chip is.  Great school and  great airport.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Luke Monckton 
 28 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This flight school is truly one of a kind. Not only did it prepare me for a Part 141 flight school in Boca Raton, FL, but it gave me a completely new outlook on aviation. From the upbeat, welcoming people, to the deep pool of aviation knowledge, CEFS has you covered. I’d like to personally thank who I believe to be the coolest person on earth, Ryan. He’s one of the most humble, professional, and respectful people I’ve had the pleasure of flying with. Every time I made a mistake, he would both correct me in the moment, and in advance. I could go on, but you get the idea. This is what I call a true, and well thought out flight school. Honorable mention to Jakob Kjeldbjerg, always answered questions when Ryan wasn’t there for me, he cared for me as if I were his student. Thank you to all the amazing flight instructors I’ve had the honor to meet. Thank you Ryan.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   william elsea 
 3 August 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +3
My instructor was Caley and she was very nice, informative and most importantly patient with me. Had a lot of fun and learned a lot in that small lesson. Thank you Caley if you see this.
Had a wonderful time
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Laura Denver 
 23 August 2020
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jordan s a good instructor.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Karina Rodríguez 
 17 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing experience with T.J
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Josh J 
 1 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ryan Horvath is the best instructor out there. He got me through my first milestone in aviation where others would have just been careless in bringing up the right training. He was always there to get me to that finish line and now being 2 years out I still talk with him. Truly one of a kind instructor you won’t find easily! Ever grateful, ever true… Thanks Ryan!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Tilemissov Almas 
 8 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Great experience with Jim. Highly recommended and definitely will be back.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Krizzy 
 29 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dan best fr
  
 
 
  
 
 
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