Top-Rated Aviation Courses in Chicagoland

scott.fank • Apr 12, 2019

Share this article:

Do you constantly imagine flying a plane, hearing “wheels up” echo through your dreams? Whether your aviation interests lie as a hobby or a professional career, flight school would be a great next step in pursuing your dreams. With the anticipated pilot shortage, now is the best time to consider becoming a pilot and begin searching for a top-rated aviation school in the Chicagoland area.

In the content below, we discuss the time, budget, and program options for Chicagoland aviation schools.

Determine Why You Fly

Are you ready to make the career change? Perhaps you have no interest in replacing your current career, but simply enjoy flying as a weekend activity. Regardless, it is imperative that your take the necessary time to reflect on your flying and aviation goals at this point in your life. 

If you feel that your current career is lacking in one area or another, but you  love  to fly, there is no better time than right now to consider switching careers and learning a new trade. Airlines are anticipating an exponential shortage of pilots over the next 20 years—estimating the open piloting positions at 790,000, according to Boeing.

Additionally, if you are considering flying for a career, explore career opportunities with an  association or partnership with regional airlines. Doing so can help jumpstart your career upon graduation and could even offer tuition reimbursement.

Consider Your Aviation School Budget

As with anything else you buy, the accompanying price tag can be a key deciding factor. Unfortunately, the cost of tuition drastically varies from one school to another. Therefore, prepare ahead by reviewing other important factors to narrow down your list of aviation schools such as:

  • Aviation school location
  • Student to instructor ratio
  • Type and age of aircrafts and simulators you will train on
  • Financial assistance and loan programs
  • Housing or commuter options

By assessing each aviation school according to the above considerations, you can better determine which aviation school best adheres to your list of preferences.

Research the Types of Aviation Schools

As you continue to evaluate the top-rated aviation courses in Chicagoland to see which is the best fit for you, make sure to answer the following questions:

  • Do you have the time to commit to it?
  • Do you want a Part 61 or Part 141 training school?

Additionally, consult with current pilots about their aviation school recommendations, take a tour of the schools that interest you, and look at the school’s safety record.

Review Top-Rated Aviation Schools in Chicagoland

For those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree or equivalent that applies to a career in aviation, your next step is to pursue an aviation school to complete flight instruction and log flight hours! Some of the top-rated aviation courses in Chicagoland include:

  • J.A. Air Center’s  Career Pilot Programs  or  Flight Instruction , located at Aurora Municipal Airport (KARR), 43W730 US Highway 30, Sugar Grove, IL 6055
  • FSX Chicago, 1227 Harlem Ave C, D, E, Berwyn, IL 60402
  • Aviation Professionals, 6321 S Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60638
  • ATP Flight School, 31W775 E North Ave, Suite 116, West Chicago, IL 60185
  • Chicago Executive Flight School, 1005 South Wolf Road, Suite #202, Wheeling, Illinois 60090

Explore Collegiate Programs with Aviation!

If you have yet to earn a collegiate degree, you can also pursue a bachelor of science degree on-line through  Liberty University  while completing all the FAA flight trainings through  JA Flight Training , located at Aurora Airport. This year-round program can be completed in as little as 30 months. Perfect for high school graduates looking for all the financial benefits from other college programs, this program also offers scholarships, grants, financial aid, low-interest student loans, and parent plus loans. 

Explore Veteran Aviation Schools!

Are you a military veteran interested in taking to the skies with aviation training? There are a few  veteran-approved options for flight training  available to you in the Chicagoland area!

J.A. Air: Chicagoland’s Top-Rated Aviation School

Sign up for Chicagoland’s  top-rated aviation courses at  J.A. Air Center. We offer an exclusive, 12-month, accelerated flight training program at Aurora Airport with a follow-up interview with Mesa airlines and internship with Southern Airways. This is perfect for career changers, veterans, and young students who want to accelerate their paths to the airlines.

Because of J.A.’s ownership in Southern Airways and their agreement with Mesa Airlines, this program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity.  Contact J.A. Flight toda y  for more information!

Connect with Us:

Two pilots are sitting in the cockpit of an airplane.
24 Apr, 2024
Taking Flight: Exploring the Realism of Flight Simulators in Flight School and Their Impact on Pilot Training.
Lightning is visible through the window of an airplane.
15 Apr, 2024
Can planes fly in the rain? Exploring aviation safety in severe weather conditions and the precautions taken by pilots.
a model airplane with stacks of coins in the background indicating an airline pilot salary
by scott.fank 16 Nov, 2023
Curious to know how much do pilots make? An airline pilot's salary depends on experience, airline, type of aircraft, flying routes, and more.
More posts
Share by: