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
Troy Chinnici13 July 2026Trustindex 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
Luke Cassar2 May 2025Taking 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
Mauro Salvatore10 September 2021Had my first flight lesson here and had an absolute blast!! Our instructor Logan was the absolute man! Professional and informative but hilarious and fun at the same time. He truly made our experience unforgettable and I'll be requesting him and only him for every ensuing lesson. Amazing school. Amazing instructor. Amazing experience. 10/10 would recommend.Posted on Google
Jenny Johnson27 June 2025Ryan 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.+0Posted on Google
David Brenner1 July 2025Great experience getting my PPL here! I really enjoyed flying with both Zach and Adrian as I grew in my piloting skills. All of the instructors were very fun to be around and it was fun to fly with them because they were patient and knowledgeable.Posted on Google
Ryan O9 November 2019Absolutely 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
Roger Steinbach19 October 2025What 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
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
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
Karina Rodríguez17 June 2025Amazing experience with T.JPosted on Google
Kyle29 June 2025I started taking lessons at Flight School about 2 years ago. Since then, I've spent many hours with my instructor, Dan. It's hard to say just how grateful I am to have him as my instructor. From day 1, Dan has been nice, helpful and very patient in my learning process. He puts a lot of time and effort into making sure I understand new concepts, and can effectively apply them in the cockpit. His teaching method is highly effective, and it has led to me learning a great deal from him, which is the reason for my progression in training. Even beyond the classroom and cockpit, Dan continues to show an interest in my life outside of flying, and works hard with me to ensure I'm able to continue working to improve my knowledge and skills to progress in training. This is so much more than I expected when I first started taking lessons, but I'm so grateful for Dan's commitment to my advancement and passion for aviation. Flying with Dan has taught me skills that will help in and out of the cockpit for the rest of my life.Posted on Google
Brooke30 June 2025Great instructors. Really enjoy my time learning to fly.Posted on Google
B B7 May 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Do not believe them when they say your flight lesson will “NEVER” be cancelled due to weather. I’ve rescheduled 4 times now after driving an hour here because they refuse to call or communicate ahead of time. **Edit to respond: I’ve already done the ground training and it should be easily seen by your people when booking. There is zero reason why someone can’t call and tell me we can’t fly today vs waiting for me to drive an hour there. It’s inconsiderate of your customers time. Update: I Rescheduled and they called 2 hours before to inform me that we would fly. They listened to my feedback and I greatly appreciate that. I flew with Ryan and it was a blast, I then rescheduled another lesson with Ryan!Posted on Google
Darrell Harrison3 January 2020Very nice ePosted on Google
Tilemissov Almas8 August 2026Great experience with Jim. Highly recommended and definitely will be back.+0Posted on Google
billandr28 October 2025CFI: 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.+5Posted on Google
Isaac Gehrenbeck27 June 2025I 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.+0Posted on Google
Yifanova19 July 2025Flying here is an extremely pleasant experience!Truman is a very caring and professional flight instructor!+1Posted on Google
Nadeem Shad30 June 2025What can I say this place is awesome. They have a great staff and great setup. Adrain goes above and beyond his duties. Get you very comfortable and at ease in the plane. I would recommend this flight school to anyone trying to get a PPLPosted on Google
Jake S24 May 2026I 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!!+0Verified 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
Our Total Immersion Flights Are a Great Way to Begin Your Training You Fly the Plane with a Certified Instructor
World class training with experienced instructors that put you in command!
There is no better way to see Chicago! Try one of our Total Immersion Downtown Chicago Flights!
Choose from our fleet of well maintained and safe aircraft.
Take control of the skies!
Photo Gallery
