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![]()
Marty Chin (Zepto)6 November 2018Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Amazing 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![]()
Liam Eadie27 June 2025Trustindex 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![]()
Luke Monckton28 June 2025Trustindex 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 elsea3 August 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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+3Posted on Google![]()
Olga Galko16 June 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Chicago Executive flight school got the most professional instructors and I love their plains . Highly recommend this school to get your licensePosted on Google![]()
Kess McBride1 July 2025Trustindex 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![]()
Josh J1 July 2025Trustindex 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![]()
Erin C23 April 2018Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My son had his first flight lesson today. He loved it! Jim was great. He spent some time showing him different ways pilots track weather. Then showed him different parts of the plane. The flight itself was fun and exciting! Afterwards he emailed us the flight pattern and other aspects of the day. We will definitely go back for more lessons! My son said this was one of the best days of his life! He loved it!Posted on Google![]()
John Cox30 June 2025Trustindex 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![]()
Deep Patel1 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Truman has been my flight instructor as of recent and he is extremely helpful and explains the material and lessons in depth. Having a very fun time learning this new skill! He is always helpful and really tries to help you understand the more basic concepts and then brings in the advanced content - so there is always a flow. I would highly recommend Truman as an instructor to anyone!Posted on Google![]()
Troy Chinnici13 July 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Max was an incredible instructor. He gave us a great ride with tremendous views.Posted on Google![]()
Krizzy29 June 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dan best frPosted on Google![]()
billandr28 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
CFI: Ryan Horvath As a working parent over 50, I never expected flight training to become more than a hobby — but my experience with Ryan Horvath and Chicago Executive Flight School has truly transformed it into a lifelong passion. Ryan’s patience and passion for aviation are unmatched. He’s not just focused on checkrides or hours — he’s dedicated to building safe, confident pilots. He’s the only instructor who ever made me love ground school — something I never thought possible. Every lesson is structured to ensure understanding, safety, and steady growth — never rushed, never just “for the hours.” This flight school is not about the money — it’s about quality instruction and mentorship. If your only goal is to check the PPL box, sure, other schools may do. But if you want to become a safe, well-trained pilot for life, this is the place to be. I can’t recommend Ryan or CEFS highly enough. They’ve changed the way I fly — and why I fly.+5Posted on Google![]()
Danylo Mykytash27 June 2025Trustindex 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![]()
JWinks 1430 June 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
as a high school student, being able to balance athletics, work, and flight lessons seemed daunting at first, but executive flight school made it easy to manage that balance. their scheduling is very flexible and have never had an issue finding a last-minute slot to add to my schedule. i’ve been flying with my instructor, Tom, since August 2024 and i feel i’ve learned a great deal from him. he’s friendly, easygoing, and never fails to make a lesson exciting while keeping it educational. he’s always ready to lend a helping hand and makes sure i practice not just to completion, but to consistency. the planes i flown (c150) have all been in great flying condition and i’ve never experienced issues flying these planes. if any issue were to ever arise, i feel well-prepared to manage said issue based on the material i’ve been taught. i recommend this school and my instructor!Posted on Google![]()
Brooke30 June 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great instructors. Really enjoy my time learning to fly.Posted on Google![]()
Roger Steinbach19 October 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
What a great time! My daughter gifted me a "total immersion flight" package for Father's Day which I upgraded to a "buddy flight" so we could both fly the plane. Everyone at Chicago Executive Flight School was very friendly, helpful and professional. We had an experience we will never forget. Go for it!Posted on Google![]()
Brad Smith16 June 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very positive experience! My instructor Dave knows this industry inside and out and will help you every inch of the way! He is one of the icons of aviation. Thanks CEFS-Posted on Google![]()
Nelson J.27 June 2025Trustindex 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![]()
Tim Doyle18 July 2021Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Good place to get flying experience.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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