Flight Training at Synergy Flight Center Chicago

Learn to Fly

Step 1: Discovery Flight

Make sure Cirrus is the plane for you. That you’re not unknowingly afraid of heights or prone to getting motion sickness. And see the iconic Chicago skyline.

Priced at $410, our Discovery Flight is a top-tier aviation experience designed to give you a preview of what becoming a Cirrus pilot has to offer; whether for business or personal travel or simply the joy of flying an aircraft for the first time. If you're considering becoming a private pilot, this relaxed and commitment-free experience is the perfect way to explore your interest in aviation.

Step 2: Earn Your Private Pilot License

A Private Pilot License (PPL) is a step to freedom and adventure in your aviation journey, introducing you to a new world beyond traditional air travel experiences at major airports like Midway and O’Hare.

Expect to spend 3+ months with a Synergy flight instructor, about 2-3 times a week.

Using state-of-the-art Cirrus aircraft, learn the basics of safely flying while building confidence. Experience the benefits of private aviation from day one.

Ask us about our membership options.

A membership enhances your high-quality Synergy aviation experience with access to reduced hourly rates, recurrent training, and priority access to aircraft and facilities. Learn more about membership benefits with Synergy Flight Center.

Step 3: Keep Learning

The advanced training you need is available at the Wheeling, Illinois location for Synergy Flight Center Chicago at KPWK and through our Full Motion Simulator in Bloomington, Illinois.

Expand your Current License with Cirrus

If you’ve already obtained your PPL but would like to expand your knowledge in a Cirrus, we’re here to guide you through with Cirrus Transition Courses.

• Basic (VFR) Transition Training: These courses are designed for licensed pilots who would like to transition into flying a Cirrus. For pilots looking to continue their training in a Cirrus or to rent as part of our membership program, this 3-5 day transition course is your first step into the Cirrus life. Training includes subjects like aircraft control, engine management, avionics procedures, and abnormal situations. This course qualifies for flying in VFR conditions.

• Advanced (IFR) Transition Training: This 5+ day course includes everything in the basic transition course and adds instrument procedures. Designed for pilots with an instrument rating, this course allows you to get the most out of flying the Cirrus by qualifying to operate in the IFR environment.

Advanced Training for Cirrus Pilots

If you’re already licensed to fly a Cirrus, remain proficient with regular and consistent flight training (it’s not like riding a bike). Expand your flight options with Instrument Ratings, Recurrent Training, Avionics Differences and Systems Differences Training.

• Recurrent Training: Regular and consistent flight training is key to increasing your flying skills and ensuring safety as a pilot. Whether you’re interested in improving your takeoff and landing skills or expanding your IFR capabilities, these 1-2 day recurrent training courses will keep you sharp and ready to handle the challenges of aviation.

• Instrument Ratings: An instrument rating unlocks privileges that allow you to fully utilize your aircraft's capabilities, enabling you to travel in a wider variety of weather, which is critical no matter where you fly across the country, but especially throughout the four seasons we experience in Illinois. For those who want the most flexibility to fly in nearly any conditions, adding this rating to your pilot’s license sharpens your piloting skill set and makes you a safer pilot whether you’re flying over the city, suburbs, or cornfields.

• Avionics Differences: Designed for Cirrus pilots transitioning into new avionics, this 1-2 day course builds upon Cirrus-specific knowledge and focuses on mastering PFD and MFD interpretation, flight management systems, autopilot usage, navigation and more.

• Systems Differences: This 1-2 day course covers the differences between Cirrus airframes and powerplants for pilots already familiar with Cirrus who are interested in flying different models of Cirrus.