Everything you need to know about learning to fly in Illinois — realistic costs, best training airports, local weather, and the schools worth visiting.
Challenging — four distinct seasons with cold winters, spring thunderstorm season, and warm humid summers. Expect meaningful weather training. VFR days average 200–220 per year in the Chicago area.
Chicago Class B is extensive. Training airports (Waukegan, DuPage, Lansing) ring the Class B and provide excellent exposure to complex airspace procedures.
Estimated range: $13,000–$18,000
Chicago area has an excellent concentration of flight schools and strong GA infrastructure. Weather variability is actually valuable training — students who learn to fly in Chicago weather are prepared for nearly anything.
For a full national cost comparison and personalized estimate, use our flight training cost calculator.
For a full searchable directory, visit our flight school directory and filter by state.
Before you choose: Read our guide to choosing a flight school — the 12 questions to ask every school before you sign up. Then visit at least two schools and take a discovery flight at each.
Several aviation scholarships are available specifically to residents or students in Illinois, in addition to the national programs. Check your state's aeronautics division website for state-specific grants, and see our full scholarship database for all 33 verified national programs.
Both training structures are available in Illinois. See our full Part 61 vs Part 141 guide for the complete comparison. In short: Part 141 is required for GI Bill and some scholarships; Part 61 offers more flexibility for students with irregular schedules.