Best Schools in Chicago, IL

ATP Flight School in North Chicago (PWK) provides accelerated flight training for pilots aiming to become commercial airline pilots. Located at the Chicago Executive Airport, it serves students in Chicago, North Chicago, Wheeling, Rockford, Waukegan, and other areas in Illinois. ATP is the only flight school in Wheeling with career tracks to American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, supported by formal agreements and mentorship. ATP boasts the highest ratio of airline placements to students among flight schools in Chicago.

Blue Skies Flying Services, located at Lake in the Hills Airport (3CK) in the northern suburbs of Chicago, has been providing flight training and aircraft maintenance since 1993. They have been recognized as one of the finest aviation educational training facilities in the country and were voted #1 Flight School in the Midwest by AOPA in 2017 and 2018. Blue Skies offers a range of flight training programs, including Private Pilot License (PPL), Instrument Rating (IFR), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and (CFII). They also provide aircraft rental and maintenance services. Blue Skies operates a well-maintained fleet of aircraft equipped with modern avionics, including IFR WAAS GPS and 4-place intercoms. Some aircraft are also equipped with autopilots. They also have an FAA-approved simulator that can be used during instrument training. The school has one of the largest retail pilot shops in the Great Lakes area, offering a variety of pilot and student aviation supplies. Blue Skies is committed to helping students reach their aviation goals, whether for pleasure or a career. The owner is actively involved in day-to-day operations and is an A&P and IA, overseeing fleet maintenance and customer aircraft maintenance needs. Blue Skies has been voted a top flight school in the Midwest for the last 10 consecutive years by AOPA. Blue Skies also offers aircraft maintenance services for both single and multi-engine airplanes. They can assist with annual inspections, major engine and airframe repairs, and aircraft detailing.

WAir Aviation is a Part 61 flight school located at Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK), providing flight training services for all of Chicagoland.

Aeronautics Academy at Chicago Midway Airport caters to all aspiring and certified pilots.

Has one of the finest programs in the country to help get the training and flight time you'll need to fly the “heavy metal”.

A dedicated flight school providing flight training in Illinois and is an Approved Part 141 Flight School by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Citywings Flight School, located at Schaumburg Regional Airport near Chicago, aims to help trainees become pilots quickly and easily. They offer Sport Pilot and Private Pilot flight training, with options for weekly in-person or online ground school. Citywings uses Remos GX light-sport aircraft, which feature a modern engine and digital cockpit displays. Discovery flights and introductory lessons are available.

Chicago Executive Flight School (CEFS) has been training students since 1994 and is located at the Chicago Executive Airport. CEFS focuses on quality, safety, and time, and is a Cessna Pilot Center. In addition to flight training, CEFS offers Total Immersion Flights, giving you command of the aircraft with a certified instructor. They also offer aircraft rentals, with a fleet maintained by full-time mechanics.

Illinois Aviation Academy (IAA) is a dedicated flight school providing flight training in Illinois and is an Approved Part 141 Flight School by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Offers a complete flight training curriculum that consists of ground school and dual instruction.

Best for all-around flight training program.

Best for personalized flight training program.

Fly There has some of the newest aircraft in its training and rental fleet.

Chicago Flight School, located at DuPage Airport in West Chicago, Illinois, is an FAA Part 141 and Part 65 approved flight training organization that trains pilots from all over the world. They offer a range of flight training programs and are known for providing premium flight training. Chicago Flight School is also VA approved and SEVIS approved.

While the name suggests a Chicago location, SummerSkyz Helicopter Flight Training operates out of Lansing and Danville, Illinois. This Part 61 flight school offers a structured path to becoming a helicopter pilot, whether you're a beginner or looking to advance your existing license. They provide introductory flights and comprehensive pilot programs tailored to individual goals, including advanced instructor certifications. SummerSkyz aims to equip students with the certifications, knowledge, and experience needed for careers in flight instruction or EMS. SummerSkyz emphasizes a structured training progression, starting with Private Pilot – Helicopter, then Instrument – Helicopter, Commercial Pilot – Helicopter, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – Helicopter, and finally, Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument Helicopter (CFII). This sequence ensures students acquire the necessary certifications and flight hours for a commercial helicopter pilot career. They also offer online ground school to prepare students for the FAA written exam. Rotor Zen Helicopters, Inc., another flight school in the Chicago area, provides helicopter flight training for all levels, including private, commercial, certified flight instructor, and ATP. Rotor Zen prides itself on real-world helicopter training in diverse environments, from busy airports to remote rural areas, using Robinson R-44 helicopters. They claim to have the lowest rates in the Chicago area, making a commercial pilot certificate more affordable than a four-year college. Helicopter Academy also offers professional guidance for private, commercial, career, and ground school planning in the Chicago area. They operate year-round out of Chicago Executive Airport.

SummerSkyz was founded with a clear vision: to make professional-quality helicopter services accessible, exciting, and personal.

A leading Chicago area provider of professional and recreational flight training, conveniently located at Bolingbrook's Clow Airport (1C5).

ATP Flight School offers accelerated flight training programs designed to equip students with the skills needed to become commercial pilots, focusing on airline careers and partnerships. With over 80 locations nationwide, ATP has been training pilots since 1984. ATP provides a structured curriculum for both students and instructors. They are known for a fast-track program to the airlines.

With a fleet of Garmin G1000 aircraft, JA Flight Training has the newest fleet in the Chicago area and trains all of our students to use the latest in glass panel technology.

Boraam Aviation, located in Prospect Heights, IL, aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become proficient and safe pilots. They offer a conducive learning environment with a dedicated staff committed to helping students achieve their aviation goals. Boraam Aviation provides flight training, aircraft rental, and discovery flights. They offer gift certificates for flight training and aircraft rental.

Best for modern flight training program.

Best for workforce-ready flight training program.

Windy City Aviation provides safe and structured one-on-one instruction with full-time flight instructors at your pace and on your schedule for Private Pilot License training.