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
NIKHIL PURI23 September 2025Trustindex 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
Chen Jin26 May 2025Nice staff and wonderful program. Very good experience!Posted on Google
Michael Mroz1 July 2025Ryan Horvath is a top tier instructor at the Chicago Executive Flight School (C.E.F.S.), and is what I consider to be a product of his own environment. That is to say, Ryan's capabilities and competencies as a flight instructor were forged from the very foundation that C.E.F.S. sets in terms of excellence as it relates to their training, hiring, and selection of flight instructor candidates. As someone who actually completed his CFI rating at C.E.F.S., Ryan has proven to be the embodiment of the standard that C.E.F.S. continues to uphold as one of the premiere flight schools in the greater Chicagoland area. If there is one thing that distinguishes Ryan from his peers and most flight instructors, it's that he brings with him a level of enthusiasm that is unparalleled. Indeed, Ryan genuinely WANTS to teach and flight instruct, as opposed to most CFIs in this world who are merely instructing as an economical means to build their flight time to get to the airlines. For that reason alone, I would highly recommend you sign up to take a discovery flight with Ryan at C.E.F.S. to see if flying is for you!Posted on Google
Graham Gausnell28 June 2025This school is lucky to have an instructor like Jakob.Posted on Google
Chase Slagter18 June 2025Zach 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
Neha Sheth12 April 2024Trustindex 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
Krizzy29 June 2025Dan best frPosted 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
Federico Tamborrel27 June 2025It has been an incredible experience learning to fly with Chicago executive flight school. All the instructors are incredibly knowledge and talented and ensure you are able learn at your own pace. They are all also attentive and flexible for scheduling. I have been flying with Ryan for the past year or so and he has done a great job at teaching me and working to improve areas of weakness. Cannot recommend this flight school enough if you are eager to learn to fly.Posted on Google
Steve Franco1 July 2025Switched schools from another school to go here. They got me through private pilot and I’m continuing through my instrument rating with them.Posted on Google
Brooke30 June 2025Great instructors. Really enjoy my time learning to fly.Posted on Google
Troy Chinnici13 July 2026Max was an incredible instructor. He gave us a great ride with tremendous views.Posted on Google
Yaza Moe27 June 2025Amazing flight instructor! Ryan Horvath is patient, knowledgeable, and makes every lesson clear and enjoyable. Goes the extra mile to ensure I'm confident in my skills while behind the yolk. Highly recommend!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
Cyd Runion2 July 2026Scott 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
Megan O’Toole27 June 2025Executive flight school is so fun to fly at! My instructor is Jakob and im so glad!! He’s very level headed and calm which is really nice during flying and ground lessons. Whenever I’m unsure of something he always points me in the right direction without judgement which is so awesome and really appreciated. I feel as though I do not have to worry when I fly about anything bad happening because I trust his flying skills and judgement. He’s always very kind and never in a terrible mood. Jakob is also very patient and understanding, and always encourages me to do my best. He always makes sure I know what im doing in advance to make sure I have time to prepare which is incredibly appreciated! Flying has been definitely an awesome experience and I always learn so much during my lessons. I also find ground very helpful as well. Jakob explains all the materials very well and I know what is required of me to get to where I need to go. He has me set goals for what I should do during flying and outside of flying. I also appreciate his sense of humor. Everyone at executive is super kind, calm, and helpful which is awesome! I had the pleasure of taking my 10 hour check with Dave, who is really neat to talk to! I couldn’t have asked for a better flight school and instructor.Posted on Google
michael maitar17 June 2025I 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
Jenny Johnson27 June 2025Ryan 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.+0Posted on Google
Artem Riabykh26 July 2026My 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+0Posted on Google
Meghan O'Toole7 June 2025We had such a fun exploration flight with Caley! She is so knowledgeable and reassuring.+1Verified 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
Our Total Immersion Flights Are a Great Way to Begin Your Training You Fly the Plane with a Certified Instructor
World class training with experienced instructors that put you in command!
There is no better way to see Chicago! Try one of our Total Immersion Downtown Chicago Flights!
Choose from our fleet of well maintained and safe aircraft.
Take control of the skies!
Photo Gallery
