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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 138 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Danylo Mykytash 
 27 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From day one, the entire team made me feel welcome and supported. The school is extremely well organized, and you can tell they take safety and professionalism very seriously, while still making learning to fly a lot of fun.

Tom McNeill is an outstanding instructor. He’s patient, knowledgeable, and has a great way of breaking down complex concepts into simple, easy-to-understand steps. Whether we were working on basic maneuvers, landings, or preparing for the checkride, he always took the time to answer my questions and made sure I felt confident before moving on.

What I appreciated most is that Tom never made me feel rushed or intimidated. He genuinely cares about his students’ success and progress, and that comes through in every lesson. Thanks to his guidance, I’ve become a much more skilled and confident pilot than I ever thought possible.

If you’re considering flight training, I highly recommend Chicago Executive Flight School. Ask for Tom—he’s one of the best instructors you could hope for.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Tilemissov Almas 
 8 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Great experience with Jim. Highly recommended and definitely will be back.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Troy Chinnici 
 13 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Max was an incredible instructor. He gave us a great ride with tremendous views.
  
 
     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  
   
   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  
   
   Nubian Divine 
 18 June 2020
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Magnificent Experience
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Megan O’Toole 
 27 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Executive 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  
   
   Erin C 
 23 April 2018
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My son had his first flight lesson today. He loved it! Jim was great. He spent some time showing him different ways pilots track weather. Then showed him different parts of the plane. The flight itself was fun and exciting! Afterwards he emailed us the flight pattern and other aspects of the day. We will definitely go back for more lessons! My son said this was one of the best days of his life! He loved it!
  
 
     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  
   
   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  
   
   Chase Slagter 
 18 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Zach 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  
   
   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.
  
 
     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  
   
   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  
   
   Anton Llakmani 
 27 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jacob is a great instructor. He's very thorough and consistent and has a lot of knowledge. I have learned a lot and enjoy working with him.
  
 
     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  
   
   Jenny Johnson 
 27 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Ryan 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.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Justin Jetters 
 30 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Not to sound cliché, but i spent a long time searching for a flight school in the Chicago-Land area and this was it for me. Proximity to my house and job, I couldn’t beat it. My instructor Dan accommodates to my crazy work schedule and still ensures that I am learning the necessary things to propel my journey.
  
 
     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  
   
   Isaac Gehrenbeck 
 27 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
I am currently getting my private pilots license right before I start college. I recently did my first solo flight and I couldn’t have done it without my instructor Tom. Tom has been patient and always focused on helping me become a safe pilot. He always pushes me to do my best. If you’re serious about flying and want an instructor who’s going to give you both skills and mindset to be a great pilot I recommend Tom.
  
 
 
  
 
 
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