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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  
   
   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  
   
   Luis J Marquez 
 4 July 2019
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. do you have a problem with the students what speak little English I wanna a be pilot but not i speak a gob English yet
  
 
     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  
   
   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  
   
   Roger Steinbach 
 19 October 2025
 
 
 Trustindex 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  
   
   Luke Cassar 
 2 May 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Taking a sightseeing lesson with this flying school was hands-down one of the most incredible experiences of my life! From start to finish, the instructors made the flight both educational and enjoyable, balancing expert guidance with a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Flying over Chicago’s breathtaking skyline, with views of Lake Michigan, the Willis Tower, and Navy Pier, was absolutely surreal. The instructor was knowledgeable and patient, ensuring I felt comfortable while also giving me the chance to get hands-on with the controls. Whether you’re a first-time flyer or someone looking to sharpen your skills, this school delivers an outstanding combination of professionalism, warmth, and pure excitement. I’d recommend it to anyone wanting a unique perspective of Chicago from the skies.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Krizzy 
 29 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dan best fr
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Micah Fishman 
 18 April 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
Awesome experience. This was a surprise birthday gift. Jakob was an amazing instructor who explained everything clearly, answered questions, and set expectations (and nailed our landing at PWK). A great first exposure to the world of flight.
  
 
     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  
   
   JWinks 14 
 30 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex 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  
   
   Vikram Bharadwaj 
 23 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Jacob was our instructor for this experience and he was so calm and patient with us. Helped us understand every small detail of a plane and we flew over the downtown and northern end. Great experience and views. Watch out for the weather when you book!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Federico Tamborrel 
 27 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It 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  
   
   Jake S 
 24 May 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
I did a discovery flight lesson with Dan and it was awesome! I’ve been interested in lessons for a long time, and it was the perfect intro. He does a great job of walking through everything in detail but also making it fun! He also made the time to go over any questions and explain anything I wanted to know more about. Now I can’t wait to sign up for some more! Definitely recommend booking an intro lesson with Dan if you’re considering it!!
  
 
     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  
   
   Michael Mroz 
 1 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ryan 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  
   
   Silvester Nicholson 
 21 February 2020
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'm using this flight school for PPL and it works with my busy schedule. They have good plane availability, and a variety of instructors to fit your learning style. You do need to be self aware of your shortcomings tho, so you can request more practice on the things you're not comfortable (or skilled) yet. Highly recommend to bring an SD of 32GB or more because they'll be recording your flight so you can do self reflection and find weak areas to practice on.
  
 
     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  
   
   derrk radja 
 12 October 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After having some issues in the beginning of training, I switched my flight instructor to Tom. He brought the rating to five stars. With his guidance I was able to breeze through my check ride! Thanks Tom!
  
 
     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  
   
   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.
  
 
 
  
 
 
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