Beginning your pilot journey in Chicago, Illinois requires careful selection of the right flight school, and luckily, the city boasts several exceptional options.
Chicago’s dynamic aviation landscape is well-regarded for its private and commercial training programs, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a steadfast dedication to quality.
Whether you’re a novice or progressing in your aviation endeavors, Chicago’s leading flight schools seamlessly integrate experience, modernity, and a genuine love for aviation, ensuring a strong start to your airborne aspirations.
Explore our regularly updated compilation of the finest flight schools in Chicago, and don’t hesitate to offer your recommendations for consideration.
Best Flight Schools in Chicago
- Chicago Executive Flight School
- Aviation Professionals Incorporated
- Aeronautics Academy
- Avel Flight School
- Windy City Aviation
Chicago Executive Flight School
🗺️Chicago Executive Airport (PWK): 1098 S. Milwaukee Ave, Suite #102 Wheeling, IL 60090
☎️800-901-0730
🌐chicagoexecutiveflightschool.com
Chicago Executive Flight School (CEFS), situated at Chicago Executive Airport, has been a premier flight training center since 1994. Committed to excellence, safety, and efficiency, CEFS ensures top-notch training for aspiring pilots.
At CEFS, students can engage in a variety of Total Immersion Flights, providing hands-on experience and insight into piloting. These flights offer a unique opportunity to take control under the guidance of certified instructors, enhancing learning and understanding.
The school stands out for its innovative use of technology, employing GoPro cameras and Foreflight to enhance training. This integration allows students to review and analyze flight operations effectively, fostering a deeper understanding of aviation procedures.
For those looking to rent aircraft, CEFS offers a well-maintained fleet suitable for various excursions, from local flights to longer journeys. Additionally, the school provides comprehensive certification programs tailored to accommodate diverse schedules and goals.
With a range of certification options available, including Solo Pilot, Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and Certified Flight Instructor, CEFS ensures that each student receives personalized attention and guidance.
Whether you’re pursuing aviation as a hobby or a career, Chicago Executive Flight School provides the expertise and resources necessary to embark on a successful pilot journey. Experience the thrill of flight and explore the skies with confidence under the guidance of experienced instructors at CEFS.
Programs Offered:
- Solo Pilot Certification
- Private Pilot Certification
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot Certification
- Certified Flight Instructor
Aviation Professionals Incorporated
🗺️Chicago Midway (MDW): 6321 S. Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60638
☎️773-284-5678
🌐apischool.com
Aviation Professionals Incorporated is one of the few Chicago-area flight schools located at Midway Airport. With over 50 years of experience, API offers individualized accelerated lessons for aspiring pilots seeking certifications ranging from Private Pilot to Certified Flight Instructor or Airline Pilot.
With a focus on simplicity and safety, API utilizes a unique training method called “Attitude Flying,” which emphasizes visual cues and exterior references to enhance pilot understanding of altitude, bank, coordination, and airspeed control.
The school’s commitment to excellence is evident in its recognition by the FAA and the Better Business Bureau, as well as its highly-rated safety record. Students benefit from flexible training schedules and pay-as-you-fly options, without the need for contracts or membership dues.
API’s training programs cover a range of certifications, including Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot. The Career Program offers a comprehensive path to obtaining multiple certifications, providing students with real-world experience in busy airspace environments.
Whether you’re pursuing a career in aviation or seeking a new hobby, API offers professional instruction and a supportive learning environment. With its long-standing reputation and dedication to student success, API remains a trusted choice for flight training in Chicago.
Programs Offered:
- Private Pilot Training
- Instrument Rating
- Career Commercial Pilot Training
Aeronautics Academy
🗺️Chicago Midway (MDW): 6150 S Laramie Ave, Chicago, IL 60638
☎️773-869-6300
🌐aeronauticsacademy.com
Aeronautics Academy, situated at Chicago Midway Airport, offers flight training programs tailored to individuals aspiring to become pilots or seeking advanced certifications. With a range of courses covering Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and Flight Instructor certificates, the academy caters to both recreational flyers and those pursuing a career in aviation.
The Private Pilot License (PPL) serves as the foundation for aviation careers or hobbyist pursuits, providing essential skills and knowledge. Aeronautics Academy’s training emphasizes VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flying, where pilots navigate by visual references outside the aircraft.
The Instrument Rating course equips pilots with the ability to fly solely by instrument reference, essential for navigating in adverse weather conditions. This certification expands a pilot’s capabilities beyond VFR flying, enhancing safety and versatility.
For those aspiring to make aviation a career, the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is a prerequisite. This license elevates flying skills to a professional level, preparing pilots for various roles in the aviation industry.
Becoming a Flight Instructor is the next step after obtaining a CPL, offering opportunities to teach others to fly while gaining valuable experience. Flight instructors play a crucial role in shaping future aviators and can serve as a pathway to building flight hours for aspiring airline pilots.
While FAA regulations set minimum requirements for flight hours and certifications, Aeronautics Academy may require additional training to meet their testing standards.
Programs Offered:
- Private Pilot Training
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot Training
- Flight Instructor Training
Avel Flight School
🗺️DuPage Airport (DPA): 3N040 Powis Rd,West Chicago, IL 60185
☎️847-466-5161
🌐avelflightschool.com
Avel Flight School, located at the Dupage Airport Authority, offers a range of flight training programs tailored to aspiring pilots. Whether you’re dreaming of flying for recreation or pursuing a career in aviation, Avel Flight School provides comprehensive training to meet your goals.
The Discovery Flight program offers an introductory flight lesson with an FAA Certified Flight Instructor, allowing participants to experience the thrill of flying firsthand. Gift certificates for this program make memorable gifts for loved ones.
For those pursuing pilot licensure, Avel Flight School offers courses such as the Private Pilot License, Commercial Pilot License, and Instrument Rating. These programs have specific requirements, including age restrictions, medical certification, and training hours.
Avel Flight School’s training programs are designed to meet FAA regulations and industry standards. The school maintains high safety standards, exceeding both FAA and ICAO requirements, and boasts state-of-the-art aircraft, simulators, and facilities.
With experienced instructors and a focus on safety, Avel Flight School aims to provide world-class training to produce skilled pilots. The school is VA-approved for veteran training and SEVIS authorized for international students.
At Avel Flight School, students receive personalized instruction and support to ensure they complete their training on time and on budget. Joining Avel Flight School offers aspiring pilots the opportunity to turn their dreams of flying into reality in a professional and supportive environment.
Programs Offered:
- Private Pilot License
- Commercial Pilot License
- Instrument Rating
- Flight Review
- Flight Instructor Academy
- Aircraft Dispatcher Course
- Flight Attendant Training
- Discover Flight
Windy City Aviation
🗺️Chicago Executive Airport (PWK): 1098 S Milwaukee Ave #105, Wheeling, IL 60090
☎️847-808-1188
🌐windycityaviation.com
Windy City Aviation, founded by Dean Ellis, is dedicated to sharing the passion for adventure and freedom that comes with flying. Whether you’re a teenager dreaming of a career in aviation or a parent seeking a more convenient way to travel with your family, Windy City Aviation aims to make aviation accessible to all.
For those looking to give the gift of flight, Windy City Aviation offers Discovery Flights and Gift Certificates, perfect for aviation enthusiasts or anyone interested in experiencing the thrill of flying.
Aspiring pilots can learn to fly safely through Windy City Aviation’s structured training curriculum, guided by Certified Flight Instructors with over 25 years of experience. From obtaining a Private Pilot License to advancing to an Instrument Rating, students receive personalized instruction tailored to their pace and schedule.
Existing pilots can enhance their skills or maintain proficiency through Windy City Aviation’s advanced training programs and recurrent training sessions. The school believes in the importance of continuous learning and offers opportunities for pilots to expand their knowledge and expertise.
Windy City Aviation also provides Instrument Rating training, allowing pilots to fly in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions and Class A airspace, further broadening their capabilities and opportunities as aviators.
Additionally, Windy City Aviation offers flight simulator training and serves as a certified FAA testing center, providing a range of FAA written tests for pilots at all levels.
Whether you’re looking to obtain your Private Pilot License or seeking advanced training to enhance your skills, Windy City Aviation is committed to helping you achieve your aviation goals in a safe and supportive environment.
Programs Offered:
- Private Pilot License
- Instrument Rating
- Recurrent Training
- Flight Simulator Training
