Applying to Pelican Flight Training is simple. Whether you are a US citizen or an international student, the full process takes just 6 steps: choose a program, submit the online application, pay your nonrefundable enrollment fee, process your visa if international, complete your FAA medical and TSA approval, and arrive for your start date. New classes begin the 1st of every month at North Perry Airport (KHWO) in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Pelican is SEVP-certified to issue Form I-20 for F-1 and M-1 visas.
Pelican Flight Training welcomes both US citizens and international students. You can apply from anywhere in the world. Our current students come from more than 50 countries, including major markets in South Korea, Japan, Brazil, India, Turkey, Mexico and beyond.
To be eligible, you must be at least 17 years old for a Private Pilot License (younger students can start ground school earlier), have a high-school diploma or equivalent, and pass an FAA third-class medical exam. You do not need previous flight experience.
Pelican is certified for both FAA Part 141 and Part 61 programs. Part 141 is required for F-1 and M-1 student visa holders, Part 61 is flexible and works for domestic students training part-time.
Here is the complete admissions process from first contact to your first day of class. Most students complete steps 1 through 3 in a single week. International students should allow 8 to 12 weeks total for visa processing.
Review the full list of FAA programs on our flight training page. If unsure, book a Discovery Flight. Popular starting points: Airplane PPL or the full Professional Pilot Program.
Fill out the online application form. It takes about 5 minutes. You will provide basic contact info, program choice, citizenship status, and upload a copy of your passport or government ID. Our admissions team reviews your application within 24 business hours.
Once approved, you receive an enrollment contract and a Nonrefundable Enrollment Fee invoice. The Nonrefundable Enrollment Fee reserves your seat and unlocks international document processing. We accept wire transfers, credit cards, and online payments. Contact admissions for any questions regarding the payment.
Once the Nonrefundable Enrollment Fee is paid and documents are complete, our Designated School Official (DSO) issues Form I-20. You pay the SEVIS fee, book an embassy interview, and receive your F-1 or M-1 visa. Full details on our International Students page. Domestic US students skip this step.
Register on MedXPress and book an FAA medical with a local Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). We help you schedule the appointment. International students also complete TSA Flight Training Candidate approval, which takes about 30 to 45 days.
New classes begin the 1st of every month. On arrival, you complete orientation, meet your instructor, and start ground school the same week.
Gather these items before starting the online application. Having them ready cuts processing time significantly.
Need help collecting documents? Email admissions or message us on WhatsApp. Our team responds in English and Russian.
Document requirements differ for US citizens and international students.
New classes begin on the 1st of every month at Pelican Flight Training. You can start any month that fits your schedule. Most international students plan their arrival for the month after they receive their F-1 visa.
Ground school runs Monday through Friday. Flight training happens 5 to 6 days per week for full-time students.
Pelican accepts multiple payment methods. We accept:
Pelican does not operate campus housing, but we maintain partnerships with local student-housing providers within 10 minutes of North Perry Airport. Options: shared apartments, furnished. Typical cost is approximately $750 per month.
Other student services:
Pelican Flight Training is SEVP-certified to issue Form I-20 for both F-1 and M-1 student visas. Only Part 141 programs are visa eligible.
F-1 is the right visa if you are enrolling in the full Professional Pilot Program. These programs are academic-track, last 15 months, and include post-graduation Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
M-1 is for vocational training. Use it if you are enrolling in a single certificate like PPL, IR, or CPL, or Helicopter licenses.
Full process details, including SEVIS fee, embassy interview, and TSA approval steps, live on our International Students page.
We also support students from these countries with country-specific guides:
For US citizens, 1 week from application to enrollment. For international students, 8 to 12 weeks total because of visa processing (I-20 issuance, SEVIS fee, embassy appointment, TSA approval). Start early to hit your desired start month.
New classes begin on the 1st of every month. You can start any month of the year. Most international students plan arrival for the month after their visa is approved.
Age 18+ for PPL, high-school diploma or equivalent, proof of funds to cover the program price and living expenses during training. No prior flight experience required.
Wire transfer, credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), cash, personal check, and online payment through our portal. Contact admissions for details on payment schedules.
Pelican Flight Training does not offer financial aid, scholarships, or student loans for US citizens or international students. We also do not accept GI Bill benefits at this time. We know flight training is a significant investment, and we respect that. Our approach is to be upfront about costs from the first conversation so there are no surprises down the line. If you have questions about our program pricing or payment structure, reach out directly and we will walk you through everything.
Part 141 is an FAA-approved structured curriculum required for F-1 / M-1 visa students. Part 61 is more flexible and works for US citizens training part-time. Both produce identical FAA certificates.
The program includes renters' insurance for the first year, fuel, and books, everything else is additional. Plan for the following: nonrefundable enrollment fee ($515), high school diploma validation ($250, required before arrival), FAA medical ($90 to $185), TSA fee ($150 per rating), fingerprinting ($150), FAA written exams ($175 per rating), check ride fees ($900 to $2,000 each), SEVIS fee ($350), and US Embassy visa fees. You should also budget for health insurance, transportation, lodging, and a headset. Note that program pricing is based on minimum hour requirements, if additional training is needed, those costs are your responsibility. Contact admissions for a full breakdown.
Register on MedXPress, complete the online form, then book an in-person exam with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Our admissions team helps schedule the appointment. The exam costs $90 to $185 and results are usually available the same day.
Pelican does not own campus housing, but we partner with local providers within 10 minutes of North Perry Airport. Typical cost is approximately $750 per month with a $200 deposit.
Graduates who complete the Full Professional Pilot Program on an F-1 visa are eligible for CPT (up to 6 months) and OPT (up to 12 months) work authorization, allowing them to work as flight instructors in the US. CFI work is the most common path to the 1,500 hours required for airline hiring.
Our first-time pass rate is approximately 90 percent, among the highest in South Florida. This reflects the quality of instruction, structured Part 141 curriculum, and pre-check ride stage checks built into every program.
Yes. Corrected vision to 20/20 is the FAA requirement. Glasses and contacts are both acceptable.
Visit our online application form, fill in your details, and upload your ID. It takes about 5 minutes. Our admissions team replies within 24 business hours. Or message us on WhatsApp for a fast reply.
Yes. We work with you to defer your I-20 start date if your visa interview is delayed. Just notify admissions as soon as you have updates from the embassy. Your nonrefundable enrollment fee and program pricing remain valid.
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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.
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