Jim Kwasek – Chief Pilot

Jim Kwasek is a seasoned aviation professional and flight instructor with over three decades of experience in flight training and aviation education. His journey in aviation began in 1988 when, as a junior in high school, he earned his Private Pilot Certificate before enrolling at Southern Illinois University (SIU) to further his aviation education.

While attending SIU, Jim rapidly advanced his aviation credentials, earning his Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, and Flight Instructor Rating. His dedication to aviation education was evident early on, as he instructed flight students at the university during his junior and senior years while also teaching a specialized course on the DC-10 aircraft within the maintenance program. In addition to flight instruction, Jim flew charter operations for the university on its twin-engine aircraft, gaining valuable real-world experience in professional aviation.

Jim’s leadership in aviation extended beyond the cockpit. He served as President of the Aviation Management Society at SIU, further developing his expertise in aviation operations and management. He also participated in United Airlines’ internship program in the DC-10 training department, gaining insight into airline operations and high-level flight training. During this time, he continued to enhance his qualifications, earning his Instrument Instructor (CFII), Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI), and Flight Engineer Rating.

After college, Jim took on the challenge of building a flight school from the ground up, driven by his passion for training aspiring pilots. Through his leadership and vision, the school has grown into the largest flight school in the Chicago area, specializing in training beginner pilots. His commitment to high-quality instruction and structured training programs has helped launch countless aviation careers, making him a respected figure in the flight training industry.

With a lifelong dedication to aviation education, Jim continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of pilots, ensuring they develop the skills, knowledge, and professionalism required for success in the industry.

Flight Qualifications:  CFI, CFII, MEI, AGI, IGI, Flight Engineer Turbojet

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-kwasek-37a7643

Dave Klopfleisch – Safety Officer

Dave started flying in 1966 at Roselle Airport, now called Schaumburg Airport in Schaumburg, IL. He served in the Navy from 1968-1974, with his last duty station at Miramar, CA. In the Navy, Dave flew the TA-4, single-engine attack jet. Afterward, Dave worked for various corporate flight departments and served as the Safety Officer at the NAS Glenview Flying Club from 1993-1996. Dave has worked at Chicago Executive Flight School since 2005. 

Awarded the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in 2022.

Flight Qualifications:  CFI, MEI, ATP, Part 121 Flight Dispatcher, current Safety Officer at Chicago Executive Flight School

Adrian Rogers – Stage Check Airman

I started flying in Newton KS in 2017 at Hesston College where I also got my Associate degree in aviation. My CFI career started in 2022 in Austin TX where I grew to love flight instructing and teaching ground school. I’m currently finishing my bachelors degree in aviation and enrolled to work on my masters degree next year at Liberty University. I plan on getting my doctorate degree in aviation from there as well. My passion for aviation started while watching the local Air Force pilots fly around my home town.

Flight Qualifications:  CFI, CFII, and MEI

Maya Pyrzynski

Maya’s aviation journey began as a flight attendant, where she quickly fell in love with the industry and knew she wanted to pursue flying herself. She earned her Private Pilot Certificate at Chicago Executive Flight School before continuing her training and instructing down in Florida, where she worked as a flight instructor and check airman. She has logged over 1,000 hours of dual instruction given and enjoys helping students achieve their aviation goals.

As a first-generation pilot, Maya understands that the path to becoming a pilot can feel overwhelming at times. She strives to create a supportive learning environment where students can grow as safe and proficient aviators. When she’s not flying, Maya enjoys traveling and any outdoor activities such as snowboarding, paddleboarding, hiking and scuba diving. 

Flight Qualifications:  CFI, CFII, and MEI

Thierno Lo

My passion for aviation started at a young age. I was always fascinated by airplanes—the sound of takeoffs, the precision of landings, and the idea of being able to connect places through flight. From an early age, I dreamed of becoming a pilot, and after moving from Senegal to the United States at 16, I worked to turn that dream into reality.Over the years, I have built experience as a flight instructor teaching students in Southern California and operating in one of the busiest and most dynamic airspaces in the country. Working in that environment taught me the importance of professionalism, adaptability, and strong decision-making while helping students build confidence and develop safe flying habits. What I enjoy most about instructing is seeing students grow from their first lesson to becoming skilled and confident pilots. I am also currently continuing my education toward a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance and look forward to continuing to share my passion for aviation with future aviators.

Flight Qualifications:  CFI, CFII, and MEI

Max Brown

My interest in aviation began at an early age thanks to my mother’s career as a flight attendant. Growing up around airports and airplanes, I quickly developed a love for flying and knew it was something I wanted to pursue.

While I was a sophomore in high school, I had the opportunity to begin taking college courses through Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. After enrolling in an Introduction to Aviation course, I started flight training and never looked back. In 2019, I graduated with an Associate in Aeronautical Pilot Training and later earned a Bachelor’s in Business from Bellevue University.

Today, I enjoy helping students reach their aviation goals and sharing the excitement of flying that first drew me to aviation. Whether you’re earning your first certificate or working toward a professional flying career, my goal is to create a safe, supportive, and enjoyable learning environment that helps you become a confident and proficient pilot.

Flight Qualifications:  CFI

Grady Germann

Aviation became the perfect fit for me after years of loving to travel and explore new places. The ability to connect with people and places by being able to fly sparked the beginning of my career. I began at Southern Illinois University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management. Today I enjoy helping students build confidence and achieve their aviation goals, all while sharing my passion for flying.

Flight Qualifications : CFI, CFII

Ryan Horvath

I started my flying career in January of 2018 at Western Michigan University where I earned my certificates and ratings and a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Flight Science and a minor in Spanish. I completed my Certified Flight Instructor Rating here at Chicago Executive Flight School where I have grown a passion for instructing and helping students achieve their aviation goals. My passion for aviation started when I would watch departures and arrivals going into and out of O’hare from my backyard.

Flight Qualifications:  CFI, AGI, and IGI

Jakob Kjeldbjerg

Jakob started his own flight journey back in 2018 in Quincy, Illinois. After attending the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, FL, he now holds his B.S. in Aeronautical Science with Flight. He’s excited to be teaching back in his native northern Chicago suburbs, and his favorite part about teaching is the fulfillment that comes from helping another achieve their goals.

Flight Qualifications:  CFI

Thomas McNeill

My love for flying was inspired by my uncle, who was an F-14 Tomcat pilot, sparking my fascination with aviation from an early age. I earned my degree in Political Science from the University of Kansas before pursuing my true passion for flying. My journey began in DuPage, Illinois, where I obtained my Private Pilot License, and I later completed my training in Texas, earning my CFI, CFII, and MEI certifications. With a strong commitment to safety and student success, I take pride in providing quality instruction and guiding students as they develop the skills needed for a successful career in aviation.

Flight Qualifications:  CFI, CFII, and MEI

Dan Fox

Dan comes to us Orange County, CA, where he’s been flying since 2021. He’s trained extensively in the G1000 and has flown everywhere from SNA Francisco to Sedona and the Geand Canyon (and everywhere in between)! His hobbies outside of aviation include surfing, hiking, snowboarding, and trail running. 

Flight Qualifications: CFI