The weather is getting colder, and you might be running out of ideas on what to do to have a great time in Chicago.
Here is my suggestion, leave the house and get a different view on our beautiful Chicago city.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly a plane? Have you ever dreamt to steer one yourself? If the answer is yes, look no further and check out Chicago Executive Flight School.
Chicago Executive Flight School (CEFS) is Chicagoland’s number one flight school located at the Chicago Executive Airport -1098 S. Milwaukee Ave, Suite #102 Wheeling, IL 60090.
CEFS is not just for people dreaming to become a pilot; it is open for anyone who is seeking a wonderful adventure that can be crossed off their bucket list.
The flight puts you in command lets you fly the plane with certified instructors such as Jim Kwasek, Dave Klopfleisch, Colin Fearon, Edsom Koch, Sam Rannochio, Milenko Bandur or Juan Lopez. They instructed thousands of students to become pilots through safe and high quality training. A buddy is welcome on board as well, for an additional cost.
This is a brilliant gift idea that allows you to choose an immersion flight package, valid for two years. CEFS is open 7 days a week from 7AM to 11PM and flights can always be rescheduled.
Fall/Winter is the best time to fly, especially during sunset and evenings. The cooler engine during winter allows for better performance because the air is much denser and the wings can develop more lift. It is also a much smoother experience, and one can cruise much faster and steeper.
The engine develops higher horsepower that will cause the plane to have more power during takeoffs. The twinkling lights from the city skyscrapers, towns, and homes below are beautiful to see from above.
During the sunset, you can catch some daylight for takeoff and see the lands and lakes. It truly is a breathtaking experience. In case of bad weather conditions, the team will happily reschedule an appointment.
Some of the immersion flights worh checking out are Northern Experience, Downtown Adventure, Lunch at Lake Geneva, and a total package. These immersions challenge you to do everything that a pilot would do during a normal flight, minus landing.
It is a great training for amateur pilots, and a wonderful experience for thrill seekers. Whichever it may be, these immersion flights will take you one step closer to FAA Certification.
Every experience begins with the instructor giving a small tutorial on screen about how things work and what you should be expecting.
Note: Each experience below increases in price and length of flight. Additional fees cover an upgrade plane for extra person and video packages.
Total Immersion #1:
Northern Experience
In this real flight lesson, you will be staying in the local area, talk to the control tower, and get ready for takeoff by making turns and following the route lines. Once airborne, your can take control of the plane and perform the actual flying maneuvers. The instructor will advise you on what to press or pull, and show you some cool tricks that will make you feel like you are on a rollercoaster. This experience lasts up to one and a half hours, including 30 to 40 minutes of flying.
Total Immersion #2:
Downtown Adventure
This experience is the same as the first flight, but this time the actual flying occurs over downtown skyscrapers and Lake Michigan. Approximately two hours in length. After the departure from Chicago Executive Airport, you will fly over Glenview, Deerfield, Northbrook, Winnetka and Evanston. Next you will be looping around Willis Tower and Hancock Building, and returning along the north side. At this point you will be flying over Wrigley Field, Skokie and Lincolnwood. There truly is no better way to see Chicago!
Total Immersion #3:
Lunch at Lake Geneva
Another remarkable adventure that offers same ground and flight lessons and leaves the state of Illinois to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. During this trip you can fly over Mundelein, Libertyville and Lincolnshire to Gurnee. Then you will head north-westward towards the Chain of Lakes and City of Lake Geneva, before landing at the Grand Geneva Airport. This adventure is perfect for two, since you will be stopping to enjoy some lunch at the Grand Geneva Spa and Resort before returning. It lasts over three and a half hours and has a flying length of 1.5 hours.
Each of these experiences is worth remembering for a lifetime. Whichever package you choose can be documented on video footage. If you don’t want to purchase a video package, you are more than welcome to bring your own camera and take the pictures and videos you’d like.. After completing one of these experiences, you will be walking out with a certificate for completing the ___ number of hours. Whether you want to be a pilot or not, it’s a great memory and cool certificate to hang up on your wall.
These experiences can be pricey, but do not worry! You can find groupon coupons or search for more on the web. Chicago Executive Flight School offers some deals from time to time so be sure to check them out.
Angelika Rol
Features Reporter
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