CEFS-Home

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.

Try Our Introductory Flights!

4.6

125 reviews

Tailored Flight Training

Please call 1-800-901-0730 or fill our our contact form below and someone will get in touch with you.

Contact Form

Reviews

       EXCELLENT  
   Based on 136 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   James McFarland 
 7 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jakob Kjeldbjerg is a fantastic flight instructor! He takes the time to thoroughly explain everything and is a joy to fly with.  I’d highly recommend Chicago Executive Flight School for learning to fly.  The people there are the best!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Deep Patel 
 1 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex 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  
   
   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  
   
   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  
   
   Paolo Atallah 
 1 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The way the school work is amazing, especially my instructor is great, he’s helped me out so much! I’ve learned so much from him! Overall this school is great, it’s efficient. The planes are also amazing, I love flying the planes! Overall I love this school
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Sergii Gr 
 27 September 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Big thanks for an amazing filling to touch the sky☺️✈️
Honestly recommending flight instructor Jakob Kjeldbjerg 🤝
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Keith Miller 
 20 May 2019
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chicago Executive Flight School is definitely a trusted source for Pilot training in my book. Jim and his instructors will go out of there way to make sure you get the training you are looking for.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Cochise Wanzer 
 29 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dan is dedicated, knowledgeable, reliable, and professional. He is always willing to go above and beyond to help and I have had a lot of fun learning to fly with him.
  
 
     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  
   
   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  
   
   Lesley Ayala 
 25 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
I am a student pilot at Chicago Executive Flight School and my CFI Caley Halloran is an inherent instructor. She has been patient and supportive through my journey of earning a private pilot license. She continues to supply me with resources to become an excellent pilot. Request Caley as your CFI!!!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Karina Rodríguez 
 17 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing experience with T.J
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Patrick Desamito 
 23 July 2022
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. First and foremost! Thank you Logan for such an amazing experience during our flight! It was so surreal, you were a great instructor, and I look forward to flying again!

For those who want to try, you should!! Just don’t be deterred by the possibility of rescheduling a few times because this experience is very weather dependent. They want you to have a great time with clear skies so you can truly appreciate the view of the Chicago skyline! It’s so worth it!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Dimitur Lechev 
 24 May 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently took my discovery flight with the Chief Pilot, Jim Kwasek, and it was such a phenomenal experience. For my first time it was a pretty windy day and I was frightened by the turbulence from the small aircraft but Jim made it look like nothing but another day, kept calm and was very patient with me. He taught me everything I needed to know before, during, and after the flight. He also took really creative and memorable pictures of me (he’s an amazing photographer), couldn’t thank him and the team enough for making my experience amazing, I recommend them for the first timers, very fun and friendly people!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ed Chévere 
 26 October 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great instruction from my primary instructor Ryan as well as Caley and Adrian!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Benjamin Galbreath 
 1 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m a current student at Chicago Executive Flight School and my instructor is Zach Nystrom. He’s great and very helpful, always answers my questions and understands how to teach!! Would recommend him for sure.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Spider Aviation 
 27 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very great flight school, professional and safe standerds, with great instructors! Recommend for anyone!

Truman and Adrian are both amazing instructors that teach well and correct mistakes in a calm and professional manner.

Trust me you will feel like Maverick from top gun!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Illya Scherban 
 15 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
I had a discovery flight on a Cessna 172 as a gift, and honestly, I didn’t expect it to be this amazing.

What surprised me the most is that I was actually able to control the airplane myself for most of the flight. That feeling is just unbelievable.

My instructor, Ryan Horvath, was fantastic. You can truly see his passion for flying and teaching. He explained everything clearly and made me feel comfortable the entire time, even though my English is not perfect.

I highly recommend this flight school to anyone. Even if you’ve never thought about flying before, you should try it at least once. The feeling of freedom and being in the sky is something you will never forget.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   billandr 
 28 October 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +5
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.
  
 
     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.
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex 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