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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  
   
   M_K G 
 30 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Have been taking lessons with Jakob for a while which has been great! He is detail oriented, patient, professional, punctual, and safety-minded. Briefs and debriefs are always clear and helpful. Highly recommended.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Dimitur Lechev 
 24 May 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently took my discovery flight with the Chief Pilot, Jim Kwasek, and it was such a phenomenal experience. For my first time it was a pretty windy day and I was frightened by the turbulence from the small aircraft but Jim made it look like nothing but another day, kept calm and was very patient with me. He taught me everything I needed to know before, during, and after the flight. He also took really creative and memorable pictures of me (he’s an amazing photographer), couldn’t thank him and the team enough for making my experience amazing, I recommend them for the first timers, very fun and friendly people!
  
 
     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  
   
   Jenny Johnson 
 27 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Ryan H is the best. He's very patient, knowledgeable, encouraging and has saved my ass a few times.  If you're looking for an instructor I'd highly recommend Ryan/CEFS.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Asha McCaughan 
 30 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jakob Kjeldbjerg is an excellent instructor! He always makes sure his students are understanding concepts and having fun! ✈️🌎⭐️
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Isaac Gehrenbeck 
 27 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
I am currently getting my private pilots license right before I start college. I recently did my first solo flight and I couldn’t have done it without my instructor Tom. Tom has been patient and always focused on helping me become a safe pilot. He always pushes me to do my best. If you’re serious about flying and want an instructor who’s going to give you both skills and mindset to be a great pilot I recommend Tom.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Nubian Divine 
 18 June 2020
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Magnificent Experience
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Kess McBride 
 1 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started my flight training here at Chicago Executive Flight School summer of 2025 and I have enjoyed the experience so far I have flown with Truman and have learned a lot after taking a 7 month break off flight. This has been a great experience that I recommend anyone that wants to learn to fly!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Artem Riabykh 
 26 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
My wife made me a gift and scheduled a flight with this school. The fight itself was a little short compared to all the preparations, but it was exciting and memorable
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Yifanova 
 19 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
Flying here is an extremely pleasant experience!Truman is a very caring and professional flight instructor!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Benjamin Galbreath 
 1 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m a current student at Chicago Executive Flight School and my instructor is Zach Nystrom. He’s great and very helpful, always answers my questions and understands how to teach!! Would recommend him for sure.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Cyd Runion 
 2 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Scott and the instructors here are really great. They took their time with our Girl Scout troop and the girls have a great experience to look back on. I fly myself so it was nice to hear such knowledgeable instructors share their love of flying and kept the girls entertained while still treating them as future pilots. That kind of care carries over into the cockpit. I wouldn't hesitate to fly with this outfit!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Chase Slagter 
 18 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Zach Nystrom is a fantastic flight instructor! He is very professional and informative. He really understands how to instruct and demonstrates that every lesson!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Danylo Mykytash 
 27 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From day one, the entire team made me feel welcome and supported. The school is extremely well organized, and you can tell they take safety and professionalism very seriously, while still making learning to fly a lot of fun.

Tom McNeill is an outstanding instructor. He’s patient, knowledgeable, and has a great way of breaking down complex concepts into simple, easy-to-understand steps. Whether we were working on basic maneuvers, landings, or preparing for the checkride, he always took the time to answer my questions and made sure I felt confident before moving on.

What I appreciated most is that Tom never made me feel rushed or intimidated. He genuinely cares about his students’ success and progress, and that comes through in every lesson. Thanks to his guidance, I’ve become a much more skilled and confident pilot than I ever thought possible.

If you’re considering flight training, I highly recommend Chicago Executive Flight School. Ask for Tom—he’s one of the best instructors you could hope 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  
   
   Ryan O 
 9 November 2019
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely amazing flight training experience. Expected to have 20% control of the flight - had the reigns a good 80% instead. Out of this world experience. Can't miss. Bucket list level
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Adi 
 27 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just 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  
   
   Nate Broski 
 1 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Raphael is the man!!! If you're looking for a flight school full of dedicated and extensively knowledgeable instructors, this is the school for you. I've been with Raphael since my intro flight, and he's always been gladly willing to go over the top to keep me on track to hit my goals. Scott has also been there from the first call, and always greets with a smile. Overall an incredibly professional and fun environment to learn in, with a nice fleet of aircraft as well. 10/10!!!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mauro Salvatore 
 10 September 2021
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had my first flight lesson here and had an absolute blast!! Our instructor Logan was the absolute man! Professional and informative but hilarious and fun at the same time. He truly made our experience unforgettable and I'll be requesting him and only him for every ensuing lesson. Amazing school. Amazing instructor. Amazing experience. 10/10 would recommend.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Aiden Thomas 
 1 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My 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.
  
 
 
  
 
 
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