How to Become a Pilot in Illinois

Marko S.
Nov 17, 2025
2 min read

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 controls during the flight.

📌 Available in the Chicago area at:

Bult Field – Monee, IL
Greater Kankakee Airport – Kankakee, IL
Serving: Chicago, Joliet, Orland Park, Tinley Park & Naperville

➡️ Book a Discovery Flight to confirm that flying is right for you.

Step 2 — Choose a Chicago Flight School

Not all flight schools are the same. Here’s what to look for:

✔ FAA-certified instructors

✔ Safe, modern training aircraft

✔ Good access from Chicago suburbs

✔ Flexible scheduling

✔ Transparent pricing

D14 Aviation offers exactly that — a top-rated flight school in Chicago.

Step 3 — Get a Medical Certificate

To fly solo, you’ll need a medical certificate from an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

Most students simply get a 3rd-Class Medical:

Valid for private and recreational pilots
Quick exam
Approved same day in most cases

Chicago AME locations are available throughout the city and suburbs.

Step 4 — Start Private Pilot Training (PPL)

This is your first official FAA license.

To earn a Private Pilot License in Chicago, you need:

Requirement	FAA Minimum
Total Flight Time	40 hours
Instruction (dual)	~20 hours
Solo Flight	~10 hours
Ground School	Required
FAA Knowledge Test	Pass
Flight Checkride	Pass

Most students finish in 4–8 months, depending on schedule and weather.

How Much Does Flight School Cost in Chicago?

Every student is different — but Chicago pricing averages:

License	Estimated Range
Private Pilot License	$10,000–$17,000
Commercial Pilot License	Additional training after PPL
Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine, CFI	Optional add-ons