Our mission, since we were founded in 1985, has been to deliver a high-quality program for our students which enables them to thrive within the Aviation Industry. Keeping this goal for our students as our driving force is what has allowed us to keep growing as a company through all the significant changes that flight training schools have seen for more than 35 years.
We chose to base our operations in South Florida due to the moderate climate. Which has consistent wind patterns that makes the area one of the best places in the world to start your flight career. There is more flying time and less waiting for weather to clear frustrations. In Florida their are 350 days available for training.
We are a Fixed-Base operator out of North Perry Airport in Hollywood, Florida which has four lit, paved runways (with the longest coming in at 3,350 feet/1,021 meters). This provides our students with multiple benefits. Logistically, we are equidistant between Miami International Airport (MIA), Opa-Locka International Airport (OPF), and Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL). Giving our students easy access to our facility – no matter where they are coming from around the world.
Pelican Flight school is a bilingual school, as our students learn in an English speaking environment, and we do have many Spanish speaking instructors and pilots.
North Perry, being a tower airport offers a variety of services. Furthermore, the special training zone that our location enjoys is the Florida Everglades. That offers a quiet flight environment but still at the vicinity of busy airspace. Making our location combined with the winds are predominantly west-east or east-west; gives us consistently ample air space to operate in. While also providing our students with invaluable experience. Being able to operate in a major metropolitan area with multiple busy airports . Being here will make you a better pilot- apart from taking part in the best professional and climate environment in the world!
Yes, Florida is an excellent location for flight training. The state has a favorable climate with plenty of sunshine and relatively mild weather throughout the year, which allows for more consistent flying conditions. Additionally, Florida offers a variety of airspace and terrains, giving students diverse training experiences. If you have specific questions or would like more detailed information about our programs at Pelican Flight Training, please feel free to submit an inquiry through our website.
At Pelican Flight Training in Pembroke Pines, Florida, the time it takes to become a commercial pilot depends on several factors — including what licenses you already hold, the licenses you wish to obtain, and the visa program you are interested in (F-1 or M-1).
In general, training duration can range from a few months to over a year, depending on your starting point and training frequency.
For a more accurate timeline tailored to your goals, we recommend submitting a request through our website so we can provide detailed guidance based on your individual profile.
Yes, there is currently a significant pilot shortage in the United States and globally. The aviation industry is facing a critical gap between the number of qualified pilots available and the growing demand for air travel. This shortage has been accelerated by factors such as a wave of mandatory retirements, reduced pilot training during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a limited pipeline of new pilots entering the workforce. As a result, airlines are actively recruiting and offering competitive salaries, signing bonuses, and career advancement opportunities to attract new pilots.
According to Boeing’s 2023 Pilot and Technician Outlook, the industry will need over 600,000 new pilots globally by 2042, with North America requiring over 130,000 of them. This makes it a strategic time for aspiring pilots to begin their training and enter a profession that offers long-term stability and high earning potential.
Now is the perfect time to start your aviation journey and become part of the next generation of airline professionals.
At Pelican Flight Training, we can say that the demand for pilots has been consistently strong in recent years. The aviation industry is experiencing a significant need for qualified pilots due to factors such as the growth of air travel, retirements of current pilots, and the expansion of airlines.
However, for the most accurate and up-to-date information on pilot demand, we recommend checking industry reports or reaching out to us directly through our website. We're here to help with any other questions you may have about our training programs or the aviation industry!
No, you do NOT need a 4-year degree to become a commercial pilot — and most airlines today do not require one at all.
While some major airlines used to prefer candidates with a college degree, the industry has shifted. What airlines really care about now is flight time, safety, and skill. If you meet the hour requirements (like 1,500 hours for the ATP in the U.S.), have strong training, and demonstrate professionalism, you’re already on the right path.
In fact, many pilots today are getting hired without any college degree — especially with the ongoing demand for pilots worldwide.
Welcome to Pelican Flight Training, Florida's premier flight school offering one of the best training programs for pilots from around the world. We offer a structured program that will take you all the way from private pilot rank to ATP and airline readiness.
In this video, you'll learn what makes our flight school so special — the passion, the professionalism, and the world-class fleet of aircraft used for training. From your first flight to becoming a professional pilot, we will be with you every step of the way.
Take a look right now and see why training at Pelican isn't just about learning — it's about transformation.
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We will be happy to personally assist you in making decision for your future airline career by providing you with all the information you might need and providing answers to all of your questions. Please complete the form, and we will be in touch with you soon.
