Chicago First Flight Lesson

Take the Controls and Learn to Fly a Plane Over Chicagoland on a Discovery Flight Lesson

(14 ratings)
Price for 1 Participant

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About This Experience Gift

Take the Controls and Learn to Pilot a Cessna While in the Air
Learn the Basics of Aviation, No Experience Necessary
Be Challenged to do EVERYTHING that a Pilot Does

Join the elite few who have actually piloted an aircraft during this exciting hands-on Introductory Flight Lesson! During this airborne adventure you will be challenged by your instructor to do all the things a real pilot does before, during, and after a typical flight.

The excitement begins at Chicago’s top rated Flight School in Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling, IL. There you will meet with your FAA Certified Flight Instructor who will show you the ropes of piloting a light aircraft during a ground instruction course and preflight safety check. When ready, you will hop into the pilot seat, turn the key to start the plane, taxi the aircraft and assist with take-off! Once airborne, you will be able to take over the controls and perform in-flight maneuvers during the 30 minute flight including the approach to the runway down to 50 feet!

So whether you are looking to begin a new hobby or to simply try your hand at flying – you will be able to say you’ve soared during your own Chicago Scenic Flight Lesson; a truly unique gift!

Where to Go for Flying Lessons in Chicago

Wheeling, Illinois

Group Size and Spectator Info

Participants
The Chicago First Flight Lesson Experience Gifts Certificate is valid for one participant, unless a guest option is added.

Guests
You may invite one guest to join you for your Flying Lesson as a passenger if an Additional Guest Option is Selected (The maximum combined weight of both passengers may not exceed 500lbs). Spectators may join you at the airport.

When can you book Chicago First Flight Lesson

OPEN Additional Dates Coming Soon CURRENTLY CLOSED

Additional Dates Coming Soon

The Chicago Flight Lessons are offered seven days a week year-round, subject to availability. Flights may be scheduled between 8:00 AM and 11:00 PM.

How Long Is The Chicago First Flight Lesson

The Chicago Flying Lesson includes 30-40 minutes of pre-flight ground instruction, 30-40 minutes of flight time and a post flight debriefing with a total duration of approximately 1½ hours, unless an Extended Flight Lesson Option is selected.

Does Weather Impact Flying Lessons

The Introductory Flight Lesson takes place in all weather conditions. If Instructor determines that the weather conditions are too severe for the lesson after the ground-instruction is complete, you will be able to reschedule the airborne portion of the experience for a later date.

What to Wear for Flying Lessons

Dress comfortably in layers and for the season as you will be outside during the ground lesson. The aircraft is heated but not air-conditioned. Flat rubber-soled athletic shoes are recommended for this aerial adventure, and heels and opened toes shoes are not allowed.

What To Know Before You Go

A signed certificate of completion, suitable for framing, with the logged hours will be awarded to the participant after the flight.

Unless an Alternative Aircraft Option is selected, the Flight Lesson over Chicago will take place in a Cessna 150. Participation is limited to individuals 12 years of age and older weighing less than 180lbs.

Participants over 180lbs or over 5'11" tall must choose the Flight Lesson For Two Option which takes place in a larger plane and has a maximum combined weight of the participant and their guest of 500lbs. Individuals who are pregnant, have broken bones or other physical conditions which are considered unsafe conditions are not eligible to participate.

There is a lounge area available for friends and family that offers cable television, popcorn and vending machines with a wide selection of goodies.

Price includes fuel surcharge. Gratuity for the Instructor is not included and should be extended following the flight.

ITEM/SKU NUMBER: XD-1392-001

Inquire about this Experience

Reservation And Cancelation Policy

All changes to reservations for the Chicago First Flight Lesson Experience require seven (7) days advance notice. All changes to reservations made prior to the seven (7) day advance notice are subject to a $30.00 administrative fee without exception.

Xperience Certificates® cannot be exchanged once a reservation for the experience has been made.

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Experience Gifts are delivered in the form of an open-dated Gift Certificate redeemable at the recipient’s convenience, making it easy for them to book the date that works best for them.
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NO EXPIRATION DATES

Certificates are valid for one year from the date of purchase. After 12 months from the date of issue, the redeemer will be responsible for any price increase for the activity (if there is one at the time of redemption).
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Learn to Fly Chicago Customer Reviews

Average Rating: 5 stars out of 5
First Flight

My instructor, Daniel Corcoran did an outstanding job in giving me an experience of a life time.
Mike Murphy - Wheeling, IL
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Amazing!!!

It was really amazing, my friend and I loved it! I want to thank all the professionals for their affection and attention, especially only the instructor who accompanied us in this unique experience, he was very professional and friendly.
Natally Silva - Chicago
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Perfect 16th Birthday Gift

We gifted the learn-to-fly experience to our son for his 16th birthday. It was the perfect exciting experience for him to be put in the pilot’s seat and given the opportunity to fly! He loved it!
Ethan Judy - Chicago
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Absolutely awesome experience

Absolutely loved the experience, received certificate as a birthday gift, my flight instructor was very professional, experienced and the entire experience of flying was just a dream come true.
Kinga Korpacz - Chicago
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Great Flight

It was wonderful! The instructor allowed me to do much more of the flying than I expected. I would gladly do it again.
Terry Seidat - Schaumburg, IL
Verified Xperience Days Participant
This birthday present topped them all!

If you wonder what it would be like to pilot an airplane and wish you could try it - don't delay any longer. This is an experience you'll never forget. Climb into the pilot's seat, start the engine, taxi to the runway, line yourself up and fly! Climb to altitude, hold straight and level flight, try a few turns, descents, climbs - your instructor talks you through the entire exercise, while YOU do the actual flying... CAUTION: This could be habit forming.
Brian Eltherington - Barrington, IL
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Chicago Flight Lesson

This was a 60th birthday present from my girlfriend. What an awesome gift and a GREAT experience! I have already signed up for the next set of lessons. The team of people at Chicago Executive were great. actually flew the plane much more than I had anticipated and the ease of scheduling was fabulous.
Chuck Boien - Chicago Excutive airport
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Flight Lesson

The flight was absolutely amazing. I may even sign up for additional lessons.
George Barnes - Executive Airport
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Instructor Evaluation

Pete was a highly skilled and pleasant instructor. I feel I learned a lot.
Steve Johnson - Chicago
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Flight Lesson

I got this as a gift from my girlfriend and absolutely loved it. I was amazed at how much I had the controls. I taxied the plane from park, to the run way and did the full take off. We flew around downtown Chicago and down the coast. The views couldn't be beat. I literally flew the entire time until the last 50-100 ft of landing. The instructor was excellent. Very patient and gave great direction. I would definitely do this again.
Andy Cvengros - Chicago Executive Airport
Verified Xperience Days Participant
1st Flight Lesson

Great!
Jim Gladish - Chicago
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Amazing First Flight

I bought this for my boyfriend as a Christmas present, he had always expressed a passion to fly one day. I purchased the extra option so that I could go along for the ride. Although I was terrified since I have a fear of flying my boyfriend absolutely loved it. I was amazed by the amount of things he was able to do. He did 98% of flying! He is now thinking of taking up flying as a hobby and can't wait to do it again. This gift is worth every penny and then some!
Sabina - Hickory Hills
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Incredible First Flight

My experience for the First Flight with the Chicago Executive Flight School was tremendous. My instructor, Adam, was incredibly thorough. My girlfriend was less than excited to fly in such a small plane and he walked us through every step of the pre-flight experience to help ease her fears. While in the air he was incredibly encouraging and overall made the experience one that I will never forget. I would recommend it to anyone that was interested. A truly great experience.
Steve Ritter - Chicago
Verified Xperience Days Participant
First Flight Lesson

It was one of those things that everyone dreams but never gets to experience. Me and my husband loved everything about it, from A to Z...
Indre - Stanulis
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Flight Experience

The flight experience exceeded my expectations. Leo, my flight instructor, was very informative and cordial. I highly recommend the experience to anyone considering giving it a try.
Patrick Perez - Executive Airport Wheeling, Il
Verified Xperience Days Participant
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Questions about Learn to Fly Chicago

Question: If I purchased the 90 min flight plan for one person, is a guest able to go along or do I have to purchase one of the 2 person options even though only one person is actually flying the plane?

Answer: If you wish to have a guest join the participant to ride along in the plane, then one of the options 'for two' must be purchased. This upgrades the plane from a two seat plane to a larger aircraft. The maximum combined weight of both passengers may not exceed 500lbs.
Question: I would like to get this flight for my Son. Is there more actual flight time with the 60 min package option compared to the original package advertised?

Answer: The Chicago Flying Lesson basic package includes 30-40 minutes of pre-flight ground instruction, 30-40 minutes of flight time and a post flight debriefing with a total duration of approximately 1½ hours. The packages extend the flight time only, and the pre-flight ground instruction and debriefing time remains the same. The 60 minute package extends the flight time to 60 minutes with a total duration of 2½ hours, and the 90 minute package extends the flight time to 90 minutes with a total duration of 3 hours.
Question: I want to get this as a gift for my boyfriend, but he doesn't have a driver's license. What sort of identification prerequisites are there to participate?

Answer: To be eligible to participate in the Chicago First Flight Lesson, all participants must have a valid Government issued Photo ID (Passport, Driver's License, or State ID).
Question: Hi. I was wondering how safe this flight is and if there is a professional with you during the flight that will show or do what needs to be done? I want to buy this for my husband but he's never flown before. I just want to be sure he will be accompanied by someone in the plane?

Answer: The Chicago First Flight Lesson is an introductory flight that is meant for first time flyers and it is a very safe experience. A FAA certified pilot will be in the plane and with the participant the entire time.
The Chicago Flying Lesson includes 30-40 minutes of pre-flight ground instruction, 30-40 minutes of flight time and a post flight debriefing with a total duration of approximately 1½ hours, unless an Extended Flight Lesson Option is selected.
Question: Hi! I'd like to get this experience for my boyfriend's birthday. I would like to go with, but I don't want to fly the plane or anything. What option should I choose so he can do it all, but I can also come along?

Answer: If you would like to join your boyfriend on the flight as a guest, you will need to select the corresponding option from the drop down menu. The choice you make will depend on the length of flight you would like to purchase. You can choose the guest option for a 30, 60 or 90 minute flight.
Question: Hello I am looking to book this for my father, I was looking at some of the details and saw that if you are over six foot you must choose the lesson for two. As my father is 6'1" I was wondering how strictly this height is enforced? Since I wanted this to be a solo lesson for him.

Answer: Participants over 200lbs or over 6' tall must choose the Flight Lesson For Two Option which takes place in a larger plane. They are not required to bring a guest along.
Question: I am wanting to purchase the flight instructions for my daughters birthday gift, however my husband and I both would like to be passengers on this flight, can you please advise on what I need to purchase .

Answer: You may purchase any of the 'For Two' lessons if you would like a guest to ride along with the participant. However, only ONE guest may ride along as a passenger, not two.
Question: We want to give this as a gift to newlyweds but we would like for them both to have the chance to fly. Would we need to purchase two flights for two?

Answer: You could purchase two flights if you would them them to each pilot the plane, or you may purchase the 90 Minute extended option for Two. This option includes a stop for lunch. Since the plane lands and takes off again during this option, they could switch places and each take turns piloting the aircraft.
Question: What is the Flight Lesson experience?

Answer: The Flight Lesson experience allows you to take control of a plane during a private lesson with a certified flight instructor. You'll learn the basics of flying and have the opportunity to soar over Chicago!
Question: Who can participate in the flight lesson?

Answer: This experience is suitable for individuals aged 15 and older. No prior flying experience is necessary, making it perfect for both beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Question: How long does the flight lesson last?

Answer: The flight lesson typically lasts about 60 minutes, which includes both ground instruction and actual flight time in the aircraft.
Question: What are the requirements for the flight lesson?

Answer: Participants must be physically able to board and exit the aircraft and should follow any specific guidelines provided by the flight instructor before the lesson.
Question: Can I gift this flight lesson experience?

Answer: Absolutely! The Flight Lesson makes for a unique and memorable gift. You can purchase a gift certificate that the recipient can use to book their lesson at their convenience.
Question: What should I wear for the flight lesson?

Answer: We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Dress in layers as the weather can change quickly, especially at higher altitudes.
Question: What if I need to cancel or reschedule my flight lesson?

Answer: If you need to cancel or reschedule, it's best to contact the provider as soon as possible. Policies may vary, so check the specifics when booking your experience.
Question: Is there any age restriction for the flight lesson?

Answer: Participants must be at least 15 years old to participate in the flight lesson. Those under 18 will need parental consent.
Question: Do I need to bring anything for the flight lesson?

Answer: You don’t need to bring anything except for a valid ID and your excitement to fly! The instructor will provide necessary materials for the lesson.

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