If you get your Pilot License from anywhere outside of United States, if you wish to develop your aviation education, get a new aviation profession Certified Flight Instructor and receive a unique flight experience in the most developed in the world aviation infrastructure of US airspace - Pelican Flight Training is ready to help you on the way to your dream. This approach is for the pilots who have the previous ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) and for whom our school can offer a unique possibility through the standardization of their previous training to become FAA Commercial Pilot, adding Certified Flight Instructor with applicable Ratings and finally get Diploma of Graduation of our accredited Professional Pilot Program. Enrollment in this program make you eligible for F1 student visa status.
Start FlyingThese courses bring you the highest level of professionalism, so you will be able to share your knowledge with other students and continuously improve your pilot and instructor skills in the professional background. It is not only the training, but it is also additional aviation profession plus the possibility to get your practical training (for F-1 Students only) in the United States for up to 2 years, gain practical experience in flight training, build 1500 hours for your future aviation career and be paid for hours of instructing you give to students or flying as commercial pilot, join US Regional airline for 1 year and may be even sponsored for the Type Rating, if you are qualified.
F1 Student Visa is the only type of student visa which gives you the possibility to have practical training in the United States after the successful graduation of your educational professional program. It means that after your Full Professional Pilot Program including CFI course and instructor ratings will be successfully completed, you can apply for practical training employment and upon approval start to build flight hours, getting skills and experience for your future professional career being officially paid as a flight instructor or pilot and building up to 1500 flight hours to meet ATP and airlines requirements, and even may be sponsored for the relevant type rating.
You have to apply and receive from FAA Private Pilot Licence based on your Foreign Licence and get TSA approval for Initial and Instrument Training to start your Program at our School. Special Curriculum Course is approved to allow you after its successful graduation pass the flight check-ride for FAA Commercial Pilot Licence SEL with Instrument Rating. Only then you may begin your Certified Flight Instructor training part of full Professional Pilot Program. This course is based on the minimum time requirements of Federal Regulations and consist of 30 hours of flight time and 25 hours of ground school and briefings if you met all the prerequisite requirements.for this course Time and hours over and above these minimums will be charged at school published rates.
The multi-engine rating should be added to the FAA Commercial Pilot certificate and permits the holder to act as pilot in command of a multi-engine airplane. This course when added to the commercial pilot certificate allows the student of conversion to be enrolled to Multi Engine Instructor Course to add MEL Rating to the Instructor Certificate. This course is based on the minimum time requirements of Federal Regulations. Time and hours over and above these minimums will be charged at school published rates.
When you receive you FAA CPL SEL your are eligible to be enrolled to the Initial Certified Flight Instructor Course. To obtain the knowledge, skill and aeronautical experience to meet a requirements of Flight Instructor Certificate with an airplane category. It is very intensive course consisting of Ground Classes of Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) and Subject Learning for Lessons Plan FIA) finalized by two FAA written tests. .Graduation from the Rating Courses added to your Flight Instructor Certificate -, CFI and MEI required for you to be eligible to start your Practical Training. This courses are based on the minimum time requirements of Federal Regulations. Time and hours over and above these minimums will be charged at school published rates.
Pelican Flight Training currently guarantees to its successful graduates, who have an 93%+ passing rate and all the check rides passed from the 1 attempt, at least 3 interviews for OPT employment (a subject for the governmental approval) with the following partnering employers:
When your program and OPT is finished you will have 60 days when you may transfer to another school or begin another program or go back to your home country to apply the received knowledge and develop your professional pilot career.
But please keep in mind that student should not arrive from overseas with the expectation of finding part-time work to supplement finance during their flight training, the US government requires each student to show sufficient funds to cover all costs during their studies before departing to attend the school.
We are not asking for payments upfront. You will start paying for training when your visa is approved and you arrived in USA.
Build 1500 hours airline hiring minimums.
Become a flight instructor and earn back up to $54,000
If you planning to complete only the Conversion Course to convert your ICAO CPL to FAA CPL you will be enrolled as M-1 visa student. M-1 is regular training visa, most commonly used in the United States. You will graduate your Course or Courses and as soon as your training is done you will have 30 days to go back to your country.
The Conversion Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with Instrument Rating (IR) under the M-1 Visa program at Pelican Flight Training is designed for international students who already hold a foreign pilot’s license and wish to convert it to an FAA-approved CPL with an Instrument Rating. This program allows students to gain globally recognized FAA certification without the need for college enrollment. With the M-1 Visa, students can complete their training in the U.S., though they must return to their home country upon completion, as the visa does not permit work authorization in the U.S. The program provides a structured pathway to enhance your aviation qualifications, improve your flying skills, and prepare you for a professional career in aviation.
Key Benefits:
We are not asking for payments upfront. You will start paying for training when your visa is approved and you arrived in USA.
Pelican Flight Training currently guarantees to its successful graduates, who have an 93%+ passing rate and all the check rides passed from the 1 attempt, at least 3 interviews for OPT employment (a subject for the governmental approval) with the following partnering employers:
At Pelican Flight Training, we often receive questions about the differences between Part 141 and Part 61 flight training programs, especially in relation to airline preferences. Generally, airlines do not have a strict preference for one over the other. Both training paths are valid, and pilots from both types of programs can be hired by airlines.
However, many airlines may favor candidates who have completed a Part 141 program due to its structured curriculum and regulatory oversight, which can provide a more standardized training experience. That said, what matters most to airlines is the overall quality of training, flight experience, and the pilot's ability to demonstrate their skills and knowledge during the hiring process.
If you have more specific questions or need further clarification on this topic, please feel free to submit an inquiry through our website, and we would be happy to assist you!
At Pelican Flight Training in Pembroke Pines, Florida, the difference between Part 61 and Part 141 pilot certification primarily lies in the structure and requirements of the training programs.
Part 61: This regulation offers more flexibility in terms of flight training. It allows students to learn at their own pace, and instructors can tailor the training to meet individual needs. There are no specific requirements for the number of hours or a structured curriculum, although students still need to meet the minimum flight hours and pass the necessary exams to obtain their certification.
Part 141: This regulation is more structured and is designed for flight schools that have an FAA-approved curriculum. Part 141 programs have specific training requirements, including a minimum number of flight hours and classroom instruction. This type of certification can be beneficial for students who prefer a more organized approach and may also lead to reduced flight hour requirements for certain certifications.
Pelican Flight Training is a 141 school. Course requirements and guidelines of the syllabus vary, as well as the time and hours required by the FAA for completion.
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.
Yes, pilots are generally very well paid, especially as they advance in their careers. Commercial airline pilots enjoy competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and long-term earning potential.
While entry-level pilots, such as Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs), typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 per year, first officers at regional airlines can make between $60,000 and $90,000 annually. With experience, senior captains at major airlines often earn between $250,000 and $400,000 per year.
Corporate and charter pilots also earn respectable salaries ranging from $80,000 to $150,000. As global demand for pilots increases, salaries continue to rise, and many airlines offer attractive bonuses and fast-track career options.
In addition to strong pay, pilots also benefit from travel perks, retirement plans, flexible schedules, and professional prestige, making aviation not only a financially sound career path but also an incredibly rewarding one.
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.
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.