If all you think about is flying and “wheels up” echoes through your dreams, flight school would be a great choice, whether you are interested in flying as a hobby or professionally. This is a good time, with the anticipated pilot shortage, to consider becoming a pilot, so the question is, what are the top-rated aviation courses in Chicagoland?
It’s easy to give you a list of the top-rated aviation courses (flight schools) in Chicagoland, but you need a way to evaluate them for yourself, according to your needs, desires, and budget. Let’s first go through what you should look at when evaluating the flight schools on the list.
Hobby or Career?
Do you have a job or career you absolutely love, and flying is a weekend sport for you? Or is your job “meh” and in need of a do-over or being abandoned forever? Taking the time to think about what your goals are at this point in your life is essential.
If you are in a job that isn’t fulfilling, but you LOVE to fly, there is no better time than right now to consider changing careers. Airlines are anticipating a massive shortfall of pilots over the next 20 years—790,000 according to an estimate by Boeing.
If you are looking at flying for a career, you should look for one that has an association or partnership with regional airlines. It can get you up and running faster upon graduation and could offer tuition reimbursement.
What is Your Budget?
As with anything else you buy, price is a key factor. Price tags vary a lot from one school to another, so be prepared to look at other factors that are important to you in order to narrow down the list. Items like their location, the student to instructor ratio, and the type and age of aircraft and simulators you will train on.
Also, ask about financial assistance and loan programs. The answers to these questions will help you narrow your list down substantially.
Research and More…
As you continue to evaluate the top-rated aviation courses in Chicagoland to see which is the best fit for you, make sure to do your research in all areas. Do you have the time to commit to it? Do you want a Part 61 or Part 141 training school? Also take time to talk to pilots about their recommendations, take a tour of the schools that interest you, and look at the school’s safety record.
Top-Rated Aviation Courses
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
- ATP Flight School, 31W775 E North Ave, Suite 116, West Chicago, IL 60185
- FSX Chicago, 1227 Harlem Ave C, D, E, Berwyn, IL 60402
- Aviation Professionals, 6321 S Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60638
- Chicago Executive Flight School, 1005 South Wolf Road, Suite #202, Wheeling, Illinois 60090
Sign Up Now!
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 and young students that 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. Air today for more information.
