How to Build Flight Hours Fast in Illinois

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 hours you have, the more job doors open.

Smart Ways to Build Flight Hours in Illinois

Become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

The fastest and most cost-effective strategy:

• Earn hours while getting paid

• Stay in the cockpit every week

• Strengthen your flying and communication skills

Most Chicago commercial pilots instruct first.

Fly from Lower-Cost Airports

Fuel and rental costs vary dramatically around Chicago.

Training at these airports avoids big-city delays:

• Bult Field — Monee, IL

• Greater Kankakee Airport — Kankakee, IL

More flying time. Fewer holds and ground delays.

Use Simulator Training for IFR Proficiency

Simulators help you:

• Practice advanced skills affordably

• Stay consistent during bad weather

• Prepare faster for ATP-style flying

Lower-cost hours + higher confidence.

Join Time-Building Programs

Some pilots team up to:

• Share cross-country flights

• Split rental costs

• Build hours long-distance

Illinois is great for cross-country routes — from Chicago to neighboring states.

Fly Frequently, Not Occasionally

Training frequency directly affects progress:

• 2–3 flights per week = better retention

• Faster solo approvals

• Lower total cost due to fewer “relearning” lessons

Consistency is the real money saver.

Why Illinois Is a Great State for Hour Building

Unique benefits for Chicago-area pilots:

• Four-season flying experience

• Busy Class B + regional airports to train near

• Access to controlled + rural airspace

• Great cross-country destinations

Pilots here graduate with strong real-world skills.

Build Hours With D14 Aviation

D14 Aviation supports career-track students with:

• CFI pathway programs

• Simulator training

• Multi-engine training

• Affordable flight time structures

• Experience at two Chicago-area airports

No shortcuts — just smart training.

Ready to Grow Your Flight Time?

If becoming a professional pilot is your goal, we’ll help you reach the hours required.

📞 Call: 888-435-9314 (888-I FLY D14)

✈️ D14 Aviation Flight School Chicago

🔴 Start Building Hours Today