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
Ryan O9 November 2019Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Absolutely amazing flight training experience. Expected to have 20% control of the flight - had the reigns a good 80% instead. Out of this world experience. Can't miss. Bucket list levelPosted on Google
Troy Chinnici13 July 2026Max was an incredible instructor. He gave us a great ride with tremendous views.Posted on Google
Roman25 October 2026Luke was an amazing instructor! He explained everything clearly and made the whole experience fun and easy. He showed us everything step by step. I had an incredible experience and highly recommend Luke to anyone looking for a great instructor. Thank you, Luke!Posted on Google
Tilemissov Almas8 August 2026Great experience with Jim. Highly recommended and definitely will be back.+0Posted on Google
Adi27 June 2025Just wanted to give a huge shoutout to my guy Raphael Schroepfer — pretty sure I was one of his first students at CEFS, but now I just get to say, “I knew him before he was fully booked.” 😄 Jokes apart, we still manage to find time that works for both of us, and it’s been an awesome experience learning with him. He’s incredibly calm, patient, and always eager to help out, no matter how many questions you throw at him. Whether it’s giving that added explanation or breaking something down even further, he’s always got your back. I’ve flown with a few other instructors at CEFS too — and I genuinely enjoy flying with them as well! Credit to Raphael for always looking out for ways to make sure I can keep flying, even when he’s busy with other students. That said, I’ve spent most of my flying hours with him, and I’m really happy to have him as my assigned primary instructor. We’ve built a solid understanding, and that makes every flight smoother and more fun. Also, hats off to the Chicago Executive Flight School for maintaining the planes well, and also creating such a supportive and fun vibe. Whether you're up in the air or just hanging out with the CFIs and other students, it’s a place you actually look forward to being at.Posted on Google
Silvester Nicholson21 February 2020I'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
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
Priyankar Sarkar27 June 2025Great instructor , great with my twin boys Rafael was the bestPosted on Google
Patrick Desamito23 July 2022First 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
NIKHIL PURI23 September 2025Zach 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
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
Tim Doyle18 July 2021Good place to get flying experience.Posted on Google
Nick Wienold11 March 2018Highly recommend Jim and his teamPosted on Google
Olga Galko16 June 2025Chicago Executive flight school got the most professional instructors and I love their plains . Highly recommend this school to get your licensePosted 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
Brad Smith16 June 2025Very 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
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
Olechka Vdovichenko23 June 2025I had a fantastic experience at Chicago Executive Flight school , The instructors are highly knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in student success. From day one, the staff was welcoming and professional, and the scheduling was flexible enough to fit my routinePosted on Google
Joseph Ryu25 June 2025Extremely kind and knowledgeable instructors. Very satisfied to study under their expertise. Shout out to Raphael!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!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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