Articles — Flight Training Guides & Pilot Tips
In-depth articles from Pelican Flight Training: step-by-step guides, FAA licensing advice, and career preparation resources for aspiring pilots.
Articles
Do You Need a College Degree to Become a Pilot?
You do not need a college degree to become a pilot. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not require one for any level of certification — including the Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP).
Fast Track Flight Schools. How an Accelerated Program Works
This article explains how accelerated programs work, why they're effective, and whether this fast-track approach is the right path for your aviation goals.
VFR Pilot Rating vs IFR Pilot Rating
In the sections that follow, you’ll learn what VFR and IFR mean, how they influence flight plans, training requirements, airspace regulations, and overall safety. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which set of rules might be right for your next flight—and your future as a pilot.
Why the Cessna 152 & 172 Are Great for Flight Training
When choosing between the Cessna 152 and the Cessna 172 as your flight training aircraft, the decision boils down to one key trade-off: simplicity and cost-efficiency vs. space and versatility. The 15...
Commercial Pilot Vision Rules. Glasses, Correction, and FAA Standards
What does “perfect vision” actually mean?
When someone says, “Do I need perfect eyesight to become a pilot?”, what they’re usually asking is whether natural, uncorrected...
How to Become a Commercial Airline Pilot in the USA?
Dreaming of soaring above the clouds as a commercial airline pilot? You’re not alone — aviation offers one of the most exciting and rewarding careers in the world. Whether you’re fre...
Ultimate Guide to Pilot Licenses and Ratings
Have you ever dreamed of sitting in the cockpit, guiding an aircraft through the clouds, and building a career that literally takes you above it all?
Whether you want to work as a professional pilot,...
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Pilot?
Becoming a pilot is more than just learning to fly — it’s about embracing a lifestyle of precision, adventure, and responsibility. Whether your dream is to command a commercial airliner or...
How Much Do Airline Pilots Make? 2026 Salary Guide
In 2025, pilots in the United States can expect a median annual pay of about $226,600 for airline pilots, co pilots, and flight engineers, and $122,670 for commercial pilots, according to the U.S. Bur...