Thinking about becoming a pilot? You’re not alone. Every week, we meet students from Chicago and the nearby suburbs who are curious — and have great questions. Here are the most common things future pilots want to know  before starting flight training in Illinois. How long does it take to become a pilot? Most students in the Chicago area earn their Private Pilot License (PPL)  in: 📌 4 to 8 months Training speed depends on: Weather Lesson frequency Personal progress Flying 2–

For new students, one of the first questions is always the same: “Is learning to fly safe?” The answer: Yes — flight training is one of the safest forms of aviation  when done through a certified flight school like D14 Aviation. Here’s what makes pilot training safe in the Chicago area and why thousands confidently begin their aviation journey every year. Safety Is Built Into Every Part of Training Flight training follows FAA safety standards designed to: Manage weather risks

Becoming a professional pilot means one thing above all: You need flight hours .A lot of them. In the Chicago aviation market, pilots must build experience efficiently to reach airline and commercial goals. Here’s how aspiring aviators can log hours faster  in Illinois — without wasting time or money. Why Hour-Building Matters Airlines and commercial operators require: 250+ hours  for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) 1,500 hours  for Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) The more hou

Chicago is surrounded by airports that are perfect for flight training — but choosing the right one can make a huge impact  on cost, safety, and schedule consistency. Some airports are busy with airline traffic… others offer ideal training environments without the delays. Here’s a breakdown of the best flight training airports near Chicago  and what makes each one unique. Bult Field — Monee, IL Top choice for Chicago-area students Bult Field offers: Low traffic — less time wa

Chicago is an incredible place to fly… but not always an easy one. Between lake-effect weather , low visibility, busy airspace, and unpredictable winters — pilots here need more than basic visual skills. That’s where an Instrument Rating (IR)  makes a huge difference. This guide explains why Chicago pilots should add an Instrument Rating and what the training involves. What Is an Instrument Rating? An Instrument Rating allows pilots to: Fly in clouds, fog, and low visibility

If you’re training at a flight school in Chicago  and planning to turn flying into a career, earning a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)  is your biggest milestone. With a CPL, you can legally get paid to fly  — and there are more opportunities in Illinois than you might think. Here’s a complete look at commercial pilot career paths in the Chicago aviation market. What Can You Do With a Commercial Pilot License in Chicago? Once you hold a CPL, real aviation jobs become available

If you live in Chicago and want to become a pilot , your first big milestone is earning a Private Pilot License (PPL) . This certification lets you fly for fun, travel anywhere, and take friends and family into the sky. Here’s everything you need to know to start pilot training in the Chicago area . What Is a Private Pilot License? A Private Pilot License  (FAA Part 61) allows you to: Fly a single-engine airplane Carry passengers Fly day or night (depending on training) Trave

If you’ve ever dreamed of flying, a Discovery Flight  is the perfect first step. It’s a hands-on, beginner-friendly experience where YOU  get to take the controls of an airplane — right here in the Chicago area. This guide explains what happens during a Discovery Flight, how long it lasts, what it costs, and how to get started. What Happens on a Discovery Flight? A certified flight instructor sits beside you and guides you through: 1️⃣ Pre-flight briefing: Learn the basics, c

Becoming a pilot is an exciting investment in your future — but how much does flight school cost in the Chicago area ? In this guide, we break down pricing, what’s included, and how training costs can vary depending on your goals. Whether you're pursuing flying as a hobby or planning a professional aviation career, here’s what Chicago pilots can expect. Private Pilot License Cost Chicago Most students in Chicago spend between: 👉 $10,000 to $17,000 total This includes: Cost C

Becoming a pilot may seem complicated, but thousands of new aviators earn their wings every year — and many do it right here in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs . Whether you want to fly for fun or start a professional aviation career, this guide will walk you through every step. Step 1 — Take a Discovery Flight in Chicago Before committing to training, most new pilots start with a Discovery Flight . You sit in the pilot’s seat, learn the basics, and even take the control