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
Meghan O'Toole7 June 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had such a fun exploration flight with Caley! She is so knowledgeable and reassuring.+1Posted on Google
Deep Patel1 July 2025Truman 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
james Frugoli27 June 2025I am a current student, and Zach is my instructor. Zach does a great job of pushing his students to do the best, and is a very good teacher. he is awesome.Posted on Google
Megans Bubble1 September 2026We 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!+5Posted on Google
Sam E30 June 2025Chicago 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
Izabella Rossi1 July 2025Truman is an amazing instructor. A great teacher for ground school, and very patient and professional in the flight lessons. I always look forward to flying with him. Adrian also did my intro flight and it was such an amazing experience I’ll remember forever! He was very encouraging and his flight experience and professionalism shows through strongly. They’re both the best!!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
Mick Little23 June 2025Me and my CFI Ryan Horvath both share a strong passion for aviation wich makes Training with him a great experience. His deep knowledge of aviation, calm demeanor, and ability to explain complex concepts with clarity make him an outstanding instructor. Whether it's ground school or flight time, Ryan brings a perfect balance of professionalism, encouragement, and attention to detail. He genuinely cares about my progress and safety and it shows in every lesson. I highly recommend him to anyone serious about becoming a pilot.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
Laura Denver23 August 2020Jordan s a good instructor.Posted on Google
Josh J1 July 2025Ryan Horvath is the best instructor out there. He got me through my first milestone in aviation where others would have just been careless in bringing up the right training. He was always there to get me to that finish line and now being 2 years out I still talk with him. Truly one of a kind instructor you won’t find easily! Ever grateful, ever true… Thanks Ryan!Posted 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
Serhel Yaraslau22 November 2025Jakob was a good instructorPosted 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!Posted on Google
Joseph Ryu25 June 2025Extremely kind and knowledgeable instructors. Very satisfied to study under their expertise. Shout out to Raphael!Posted on Google
Neha Sheth12 April 2024Had a few issues with flight rescheduling. After some back and forth, we were thankfully able to book a spot for a later date. Scott helped us out, and made sure we were able to reschedule. Giftory Team (experience partner) also stayed on top of it to make sure everything is well communicated. Looking forward to the flying experience!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
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
Liam Eadie27 June 2025Had a great experience getting my PPL here! Jakob Kjeldbjerg was my instructor and he did a great job.Posted on Google
Marty Chin (Zepto)6 November 2018Amazing experience. Very hands on! Jim showed me how to port the fuel to make sure their was no water , explained different parts of the plane and instruments very well. Not to mention an amazing flight around the skyline and back, Jim let me take control of the plane most of the time and even did some cool 0G nose dives for me and my friend . I would definitely recommend coming here to have a one of a kind experience!+2Verified 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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