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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  
   
   John Cox 
 30 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This fight school is terrific with great instructors who have incredible attention to detail and safety always being the top priority. Jakob, in particular, is awesome. He’s a very experienced pilot and Instructor. While a primary instructor is who you fly with most of the time, I have flown with multiple other instructors who are all wonderful, patient, and consistent in their teaching. Highly recommend!⚡️⚡️⚡️
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Serhel Yaraslau 
 22 November 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jakob was a good instructor
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Brooke 
 30 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great instructors. Really enjoy my time learning to fly.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Neha Sheth 
 12 April 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a few issues with flight rescheduling. After some back and forth, we were thankfully able to book a spot for a later date. Scott helped us out, and made sure we were able to reschedule. Giftory Team (experience partner) also stayed on top of it to make sure everything is well communicated.

Looking forward to the flying experience!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Aidan Fayhee 
 29 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great intro flight! T.J. did a fantastic job explaining and demonstrating the different components of flying the plane. Awesome experience, would highly recomend.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jolie Boyke 
 28 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ADRIAN 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  
   
   Liam Eadie 
 27 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great experience getting my PPL here! Jakob Kjeldbjerg was my instructor and he did a great job.
  
 
     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  
   
   Graham Gausnell 
 28 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This school is lucky to have an instructor like Jakob.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   William Marshall1 
 27 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I 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  
   
   Mick Little 
 23 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Me and my CFI Ryan Horvath both share a strong passion for aviation wich makes Training with him a great experience. His deep knowledge of aviation, calm demeanor, and ability to explain complex concepts with clarity make him an outstanding instructor.
Whether it's ground school or flight time, Ryan brings a perfect balance of professionalism, encouragement, and attention to detail. He genuinely cares about my progress and safety and it shows in every lesson. I highly recommend him to anyone serious about becoming a pilot.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   mendel kustiner 
 24 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Total immersion flight was very informative and lots of fun. Great instructor
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Nick Wienold 
 11 March 2018
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend Jim and his team
  
 
     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  
   
   Sam E 
 30 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chicago Executive Flight School is an absolute gem. The instructors are top-notch, the environment is supportive, and flying out of Chicago Executive (PWK) makes you feel like a mini rockstar every time you hit the throttle.

Major shoutout to Ryan — one of the best instructors I’ve ever met. He’s incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and somehow makes steep turns and emergency procedures feel... fun? Not sure how he does it, but if you’re flying with Ryan, you’re in very good hands (and probably laughing a little along the way).

Also want to give props to Dan, my first instructor, who got me off the ground both literally and figuratively. Dan set the tone early with his calm, steady teaching — and probably deserves a medal for not flinching during my first landing.

The whole school runs like a well-trimmed checklist — super organized, encouraging, and genuinely focused on helping you succeed.

Bottom line: if you’re thinking about flight training, stop Googling — this is the spot. Just be ready to fall in love with aviation... and maybe pick up a few inside jokes along the way.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Megans Bubble 
 1 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +5
We were gifted an experience as Chicago Executive flight school and it was a memory for a lifetime! I’m not sure why anyone wouldn’t choose this experience to fly over a tour. Not only do you learn SO much cool information about how flights work, the plane, weather and so much more, but being in the plane for an hour getting to ACTUALLY fly the plane is an unbelievable life experience! I also love that you get to bring a passenger and if you can continue on with more flight lessons too. Absolutely one of the coolest and best things to do in Chicago! Thank you Chief Pilot Jim for an incredible and safe experience! Would highly recommend to anyone!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Nelson J. 
 27 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I 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  
   
   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  
   
   Jo Ba 
 27 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Zach is a good instructor. He's able to break down complicated issues like weather and systems and explain them in a way that helped me understand.
  
 
     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!!!
  
 
 
  
 
 
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