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.
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Global Wings.The Pelican Flight Training & RAI
Pelican Flight Training and Riga Aeronautical Institute (RAI) have joined forces to offer a true Europe-to-USA aviation pathway. Train year-round in Florida, earn FAA and EASA qualifications, and use the F-1 visa to gain up to 18 months of paid flight experience in the United States as you build hours toward an airline career.
How hard Is it to learn to fly a plane? Is pilot school difficult?
Learning to fly sounds intimidating, but it’s a clear, step-by-step process with theory, practice, and instructor support. This article shows what really makes pilot school challenging, which skills you need, how long training takes, and why determination beats “natural talent.”
Regional Airlines: How They Operate, Passenger Safety & Flight
Explore regional airlines in the USA: how they operate, passenger safety, and flight details. An important industry for airline pilots to start their careers.
5 Steps To Get Your Commercial Airline Pilot
This guide outlines the essential steps required to earn a Commercial Pilot License in the United States, explaining each stage from eligibility and medical standards to advanced training and the FAA checkride.
Canada vs USA: Where Should You Train as a Pilot?
In 2026 flight training in the USA is usually less expensive, faster and easier to schedule than in Canada.
Your First Solo Flight: What to Expect and When It Happens
Most student pilots fly their first solo after 15 to 30 hours of training, typically 1 to 3 months into lessons.
Exploring the Different Types of Pilot Careers
This detailed guide explores the diverse career paths available to professional pilots, from commercial and airline roles to specialized and private flying opportunities. It covers essential training requirements, job responsibilities, and emerging trends in aviation, offering valuable insights for anyone aspiring to take flight.
Why is there a Pilot Shortage?
The U.S. aviation industry is running out of pilots — fast. Retirements, costly training, and a thin talent pipeline have turned a long-looming problem into a crisis that’s canceling flights, driving up fares, and reshaping the future of air travel.
What is an FAA medical certificate?
Dreaming of becoming a pilot? Your aviation journey doesn’t start in the cockpit — it starts with a medical certificate. The FAA medical certificate is the essential first step for anyone who wants to fly in the U.S., whether for fun or a future airline career.