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
Stuart Barlow12 July 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our instructor Jim was very welcoming from the onset. He explained everything really well and made things simple, and easy to understand.+0Posted on Google
Cyd Runion2 July 2026Scott and the instructors here are really great. They took their time with our Girl Scout troop and the girls have a great experience to look back on. I fly myself so it was nice to hear such knowledgeable instructors share their love of flying and kept the girls entertained while still treating them as future pilots. That kind of care carries over into the cockpit. I wouldn't hesitate to fly with this outfit!Posted 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
Nick Wienold11 March 2018Highly recommend Jim and his teamPosted on Google
derrk radja12 October 2025After having some issues in the beginning of training, I switched my flight instructor to Tom. He brought the rating to five stars. With his guidance I was able to breeze through my check ride! Thanks Tom!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
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
P R Condo10 September 2021My son took his first flight lesson here and absolutley loved it! He couldn't stop singing his instructor Logan's praises. He said everyone was friendly and professional and he will be coming back for more lessons very soon.Posted on Google
Lesley Ayala25 June 2025I 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!!!+0Posted on Google
Ralph lipford30 June 2025Jakob is a great CFI for me because he explains concepts clearly and adjusts his teaching style to how I learn best. He’s patient during flights and helps me stay calm and focused, even when I make mistakes. I always leave each lesson feeling more confident and motivated to improve.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
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!!+0Posted on Google
John Cox30 June 2025This fight school is terrific with great instructors who have incredible attention to detail and safety always being the top priority. Jakob, in particular, is awesome. He’s a very experienced pilot and Instructor. While a primary instructor is who you fly with most of the time, I have flown with multiple other instructors who are all wonderful, patient, and consistent in their teaching. Highly recommend!⚡️⚡️⚡️Posted on Google
Dimitur Lechev24 May 2026I 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
Matt Vanderveen16 June 2025I have had a wonderful experience here. Everyone has been very helpful and friendly. My instructor Raphael has been great to work with and has done a good job focusing my training in the areas that need more work.Posted on Google
William Marshall127 June 2025I 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
JWinks 1430 June 2025as a high school student, being able to balance athletics, work, and flight lessons seemed daunting at first, but executive flight school made it easy to manage that balance. their scheduling is very flexible and have never had an issue finding a last-minute slot to add to my schedule. i’ve been flying with my instructor, Tom, since August 2024 and i feel i’ve learned a great deal from him. he’s friendly, easygoing, and never fails to make a lesson exciting while keeping it educational. he’s always ready to lend a helping hand and makes sure i practice not just to completion, but to consistency. the planes i flown (c150) have all been in great flying condition and i’ve never experienced issues flying these planes. if any issue were to ever arise, i feel well-prepared to manage said issue based on the material i’ve been taught. i recommend this school and my instructor!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
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
Sam Soulari1 July 2025Chicago Executive Flight School offers a solid and accessible pathway for those pursuing a Private Pilot License (PPL), especially for residents of Chicago’s northern suburbs. With its convenient location, varied fleet, and energetic team of Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs), the school provides strong value for aspiring pilots. However, some operational challenges come with the territory. Pros: • Convenient Location: Located at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK), the school is an ideal choice for those living in the northern suburbs, minimizing commute time and making frequent flying more manageable. • Reasonable Pricing: Rates are competitive for the region, offering good value given the quality of instruction and aircraft access. • Motivated CFIs: The school features a group of young, passionate, and knowledgeable instructors who are committed to helping students succeed. • Fleet Variety: A diverse selection of aircraft is available, generally well-maintained and suitable for PPL training. • Exceptional CFI – Jakob: One of the standout instructors is Jakob, who is consistently patient, professional, and clear in his teaching. His calm demeanor and methodical approach make him especially effective with newer students or those looking to build confidence in the cockpit. Cons: • Congested Airspace: Proximity to O’Hare’s Class B airspace means students must learn to navigate busy skies, which, while valuable experience, can be overwhelming at first. • Runway/Taxi Delays: High traffic levels at PWK, including jets and other GA aircraft, often result in wait times for departure, impacting scheduling efficiency. • Older Aircraft: While functional and maintained, many of the aircraft lack modern avionics like autopilot or glass cockpits, which may be a downside for students looking to train on more current systems. • Cook County Taxes: Higher local taxes add to the overall cost of training and can come as a surprise for some students. • Variable Professionalism: Though CFIs are generally skilled and professional, there have been isolated instances where certain instructors have acted less professionally in the presence of students. Overall Assessment: Chicago Executive Flight School is a strong choice for flight training, especially for students looking for convenience, affordability, and solid instruction. The experience offers both challenges and advantages—training in busy airspace builds valuable real-world skill, though it can increase stress and wait times. For those who have the right expectations and are ready to work in a dynamic training environment, this school offers excellent value—particularly if you’re lucky enough to train with CFIs like Jakob, who brings an exceptional level of patience and professionalism to the program.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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