Our students come from all walks of life. And while many come to us with zero hours of flight time, quite a few also arrive with a wide range of past flight experience.
For those students that have a head start, we offer customized courses to fulfill any and all training requirements you need to complete.
If you already have a previous flight experience that we could credit toward to your professional pilot program training, we are ready to offer you a unique opportunity to develop your aviation experience, pass our standardization training and start your way to be the most experienced aviation specialist who is able to teach the new growing generation of the students how to become a Pilot - to become a Certified Flight Instructor.
At Pelican Flight School, we understand that each student comes with unique experiences and goals. Our flight instructor training is designed to accommodate pilots with varying levels of prior flight experience. For those who already possess a Private Pilot Certificate, an Instrument Rating, or even a Multi-Engine Rating, we offer customized plans to align with your individual needs.
Students with significant prior experience can have their previous hours credited, allowing for an accelerated pathway through the CFI course. This flexibility ensures that every student can efficiently achieve their instructor certification without unnecessary repetition, saving both time and cost. Whether you are transitioning from another aviation program or seeking to refine specific skills, our tailored training options will support your journey to becoming a Certified Flight Instructor.
By personalizing the education experience, Pelican Flight Training ensures that every student maximizes their potential, preparing them for a rewarding career in aviation.
Have any questions about getting started? Contact us today !
Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is one of the most rewarding steps in a pilot’s journey. As a CFI, you not only enhance your own aviation knowledge but also play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of pilots. Teaching others allows you to deepen your understanding of aviation fundamentals, including safety procedures, aerodynamics, and instrument operations.
A current FAA Commercial Pilot certificate (or ATP) with Airplane Category (ASEL or AMEL)
A minimum of class III medical certificate, valid. Basic Med is acceptable.
FIA and FOI exam passed (preferred, but not required), or Ground Instructor in lieu of FOI.
CFI certification is also a highly practical career move. It enables you to accumulate valuable flight hours, often while earning an income, which is essential for advancing toward airline or commercial roles. Many programs and career pathways require instructors to demonstrate a high level of proficiency, and becoming a CFI builds the skills and ratings needed to excel.
Beyond career advancement, teaching is an immensely fulfilling experience. Guiding students through the learning process, from mastering maneuvers to passing their checkrides, gives you the opportunity to inspire confidence and a love for aviation. The leadership and communication skills gained as a CFI will serve you in all aspects of your career, making it a cornerstone for any aspiring aviation professional.
Most flight instructors won`t hesitate to tell you that they learned more after becoming a CFI than they did beforehand. Because of this, we work hard to get our students to this point as quickly as possible.
Depending on your status, this typically includes classroom work to prepare for the two exams you`ll need to pass: the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) Exam and the FAA Certified Flight Instructor Knowledge Exam. This will include mastering topics such as the learning process in addition to effective learning and training techniques for the FOI. The Knowledge Exam is an in-depth test of all of the flight aspects our students learn, from instrumental, multi-engine, and complex aircraft to radio communication and aerodynamics.
For students aspiring to expand their credentials, our program also prepares you for advanced certifications like the Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) ratings. These certifications enhance your expertise in instrument flight operations and teaching techniques for multi-engine aircraft.
By earning these advanced ratings, you position yourself as a versatile and highly qualified instructor capable of training students in diverse flight conditions, opening the door to broader career opportunities in aviation education.
The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) course at Pelican Flight Training provides a structured and comprehensive pathway for aspiring instructors. The course begins with an in-depth ground school, covering essential knowledge areas such as fundamentals of instruction, effective teaching techniques, and FAA standards. This stage prepares students for the FOI and CFI Knowledge Exams.
The flight training segment emphasizes hands-on experience. Students practice instructing while flying advanced aircraft such as the Cessna 152 and Complex SEL, focusing on maneuvers, instrument operations, and teaching from the right seat. Modern simulators are integrated into the curriculum to enhance proficiency and simulate real-world scenarios.
Flexibility is a hallmark of our program. Whether you’re just beginning your instruction journey or have prior aviation experience, our course adapts to meet your needs. With tailored lessons and experienced instructors, we ensure you’re fully prepared for both the FAA checkride and a successful career as a CFI.
Each lesson plan needs to include everything that will be covered in the FAA Practical Test Standards (PTS). We will help you determine the best way to introduce concepts, provide relevant information and tips, as well as an evaluation method.
Next, you`ll practice instructing! You`ll be flying with a more experienced instructor and taking them on as a pretend student. This will involve demonstrating maneuvers, coaching your `student` through the maneuver, and then evaluating their performance.
Passing the FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) exams and the checkride is a critical milestone, and Pelican Flight Training provides comprehensive preparation to ensure your success. Our program focuses on preparing students for both the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) and the FAA Knowledge Exams. Ground school sessions cover essential topics such as teaching fundamentals, aviation knowledge, and effective communication techniques.
To enhance readiness, we conduct mock oral exams that simulate the real testing environment. These practice sessions help students refine their understanding of key concepts and build confidence for the checkride. The flight portion of the program focuses on developing your ability to instruct from the right seat, mastering maneuvers, and ensuring you are proficient in all areas evaluated during the practical test.
Our track record speaks for itself: over 80% of our students pass their FAA exams and checkrides on the first attempt. This success is a testament to the quality of our training program, experienced instructors, and the dedication of our students.
The total time required to earn your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate can vary depending on your starting experience. If you already hold a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and meet the FAA’s minimum flight-hour requirements, you may complete the CFI course in as little as 4–6 months. However, if you begin with fewer flight hours—such as only a Private Pilot License or limited experience—it may take 12–18 months or more to fulfill all prerequisite ratings (including Instrument Rating) and required flight time before moving on to the CFI checkride.
After achieving your CFI certificate, you may proceed to the degree program offered in partnership with our affiliated universities and colleges, where you can earn between 23 to 40* credits toward an aviation degree. This phase usually takes an additional 12–24 months and culminates in advanced jet transition training.
Multi-Engine Instructor > Degree Program > Ground School & Examination >Jet Transition Training >Jet Aircraft Type Rating
* Depends on the rules and requirements of the Degree providing Institution.
Earning your CFI license opens up numerous career paths in aviation. Many graduates start their careers as flight instructors, gaining valuable teaching experience while building flight hours required for advanced roles. Others leverage their certifications to pursue opportunities in charter operations or corporate aviation, where instructional experience is highly regarded.
At Pelican Flight Training, we also support our graduates through partnerships with leading universities and aviation companies. These connections provide a seamless transition into roles such as airline pilots or other aviation specialties, ensuring long-term success. Our proven track record of student achievements underscores the value of obtaining your CFI certification through a trusted academy.
Pelican Flight Training is the trusted choice for aspiring Certified Flight Instructors (CFI), backed by over 40 years of aviation excellence. Located in South Florida, our academy offers unmatched flying conditions with 350 days of annual training weather, proximity to major air traffic hubs, and unique opportunities to practice in diverse airspaces, including the Everglades zone.
Our tailored CFI training program leverages a carefully curated fleet, including Cessna 152 and Piper 28 Complex aircraft, along with cutting-edge ALSIM simulators. These resources are specifically chosen to help students master instructional techniques and proficiency in advanced flight maneuvers, preparing them for real-world aviation challenges.
Beyond certification, Pelican Flight Training supports your career growth through partnerships with universities and aviation organizations, helping you build a successful future. With personalized instruction, experienced FAA-certified instructors, and a proven track record of student success, we’re committed to helping you achieve your goals.
Take the next step in your aviation journey with Pelican Flight Training—where your dreams of teaching and inspiring the next generation of pilots become reality!
Pelican Flight School, based in South Florida, offers one of the most comprehensive flight training programs in the region, taking full advantage of the state’s favorable weather conditions. Operating out of North Perry Airport, the school benefits from the consistent winds and clear skies, ensuring that students maximize their flying hours year-round. Florida’s location also offers a unique learning environment, with proximity to major airports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Opa-Locka, giving students invaluable experience in navigating busy airspaces. With over 30 years of experience, Pelican Flight School is recognized for its focus on safety, high-quality instruction, and personalized training programs for both beginners and seasoned pilots. Whether you are converting a foreign license or starting from zero hours, our Florida-based flight school provides everything you need to succeed in aviation.
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