For over 40 years, Pelican Flight Training has been teaching students from around the world to fly helicopters in South Florida. Whether you are a complete beginner dreaming of a helicopter career, an airplane pilot adding a rotorcraft rating, or an international student on an F1 visa — we have a program for you. Train on the Schweizer 300C, fly 365 days a year in Miami’s perfect weather, and learn from instructors who graduated from our own programs.
Pelican is one of only ~4 nationally FAA-accredited (Part 141) flight schools in the United States — with students from 50+ countries and counting.
Explore our helicopter programs below or book a discovery flight to experience helicopter flying firsthand.
Helicopter pilots represent less than 10% of all licensed pilots in the United States. That scarcity drives demand, creates career opportunities, and makes helicopter aviation one of the most rewarding paths in aviation. Here is why Pelican Flight Training is the right place to start:
Pelican Flight Training offers a complete range of FAA helicopter training programs. From your very first flight to advanced instructor certification — everything happens at North Perry Airport (KHWO) in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
| Try It Discovery Flight 30 min From $299 Your first helicopter experience. Take the controls with zero experience. Counts toward PPL-H. Book Now → |
Step 1 Private Pilot License (PPL-H) 3–4 months $18,950 Your first helicopter certificate. Fly passengers, fly at night, build the foundation for a career. Learn More → |
Step 2 Instrument Rating (IR-H) 2–3 months Contact Us Fly in IFR conditions. Required for most commercial helicopter jobs. Master instrument navigation. Learn More → |
| Step 3 Commercial Pilot License (CPL-H) 2–3 months $39,584 Fly helicopters for compensation. The minimum certificate for professional employment. Learn More → |
Step 4 Certified Flight Instructor (CFI-H) 1–2 months Contact Us Teach helicopter students and build flight hours toward 1,500 PIC. The fastest path to career readiness. Learn More → |
Step 5 Instrument Instructor (CFII-H) 2–4 weeks Contact Us Teach instrument students. Increases your earning potential and accelerates hour building. Learn More → |
| Program | What’s Included | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Pilot Program H | PPL-H → IR-H → CPL-H → CFI-H → CFII-H | 18 months | $95,101 |
| Helicopter Add-On Rating | Add PPL-H, CPL-H, or CFI-H to your airplane certificate | 4–10 weeks | From $18,950 |
Helicopter pilot training follows a structured progression. Each certificate builds on the previous one. Here is the complete pathway from zero experience to a professional helicopter career:
| Certificate | What You Earn | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✈ | Discovery Flight | Take the controls of a real helicopter. No experience required | 30 min | $299 |
| 1 | PPL-H — Private Pilot | Fly helicopters, carry passengers, fly at night | 3–4 months | $18,950 |
| 2 | IR-H — Instrument Rating | Fly in clouds and low visibility using instruments only | 2–3 months | Contact Us |
| 3 | CPL-H — Commercial Pilot | Fly for pay. Minimum for professional employment | 2–3 months | $39,584 |
| 4 | CFI-H — Flight Instructor | Teach students and build PIC hours toward 1,500 | 1–2 months | Contact Us |
| 5 | CFII-H — Instrument Instructor | Teach instrument flying. Higher earning potential | 2–4 weeks | Contact Us |
| ✓ | Career Ready | EMS, Law Enforcement, Offshore, Utility, Corporate | — | $50K–$130K+ |
You do not have to complete every step. A PPL-H lets you fly for personal use. A CPL-H qualifies you for employment. A CFI-H allows you to teach and build the hours needed for advanced positions like EMS, law enforcement, or offshore operations.
Want to complete the entire pathway in one enrollment? The Helicopter Professional Pilot Program bundles all certificates from PPL-H through CFII-H into an 18-month program with a single enrollment and structured schedule.
Already hold an airplane certificate? The Helicopter Add-On Rating program lets you add rotorcraft at a reduced hour requirement.
Here is a transparent look at helicopter training costs at Pelican Flight Training. All prices include aircraft rental (Schweizer 300C), fuel, and instructor time:
| Program | Duration | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery Flight | 30 min flight | $299 | Try before you commit. Counts toward PPL-H |
| PPL-H | 3–4 months | $18,950 | 35 hrs flight + 35 hrs ground. All-inclusive |
| IR-H | 2–3 months | Contact for quote | Instrument flight in all weather conditions |
| CPL-H | 2–3 months | $39,584 | 30 hrs ground + 115 hrs flight (Part 141) |
| CFI-H | 1–2 months | Contact for quote | Teach students, build PIC hours |
| CFII-H | 2–4 weeks | Contact for quote | Teach instrument, expand earning potential |
| Professional Program H | 18 months | $95,101 | PPL-H through CFII-H. Complete career track |
| Add-On Rating | 4–10 weeks | From $18,950 | For licensed airplane pilots. Reduced hours |
For detailed cost breakdowns, see our blog article on helicopter CPL training costs. For general training costs, see how much it costs to become a pilot.
Payment is structured in installments — not all upfront. See our payment options page for financing details.
All helicopter training at Pelican Flight Training takes place in the Schweizer 300C — one of the most widely used training helicopters in the world.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Light piston helicopter, 3-seat configuration |
| Engine | Lycoming HIO-360, 190 horsepower |
| Visibility | Large bubble canopy with panoramic views |
| Controls | Dual flight controls for student and instructor |
| Safety | Used by the U.S. military and flight schools worldwide |
| Simulator | FLYIT helicopter simulator for supplemental IFR training |
The Schweizer 300C is the standard from your first discovery flight through your CFI-H checkride. Training on one aircraft type means you never waste time transitioning between airframes. Explore our full fleet including Cessna, Piper, and Seminole aircraft for airplane programs.
Helicopter pilot training at Pelican Flight Training is designed for a wide range of students:
Pelican Flight Training has trained helicopter pilots from over 50 countries. We are one of only a few flight schools in the US that can issue I-20 documents directly for helicopter training — no university partnership required.
| Visa Type | Best For | Details |
|---|---|---|
| F1 Visa | Professional Program H (18 months) | Full-time vocational training + OPT work authorization after graduation. Build hours as a CFI at Pelican or another school |
| M1 Visa | Individual certificates (PPL-H, CPL-H, etc.) | Train for a specific certificate. Shorter duration. No OPT |
| B1/B2 | Discovery Flight only | Tourists can take a discovery flight. Not valid for full programs |
We support students from every country. Visit our international students page for the complete application process, or see country-specific guides for South Korea, India, Brazil, and Mexico.
Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we respond in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
The demand for helicopter pilots continues to grow. Qualified helicopter pilots represent less than 10% of all licensed pilots, creating a significant supply gap across multiple industries:
| Industry | Salary Range (USD) | Min. Certificate | Typical Hours Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Instruction (CFI) | $40,000–$65,000 | CFI-H | 200–300 hrs |
| Tour / Sightseeing | $50,000–$70,000 | CPL-H | 500–1,000 hrs |
| Utility / Powerline | $60,000–$90,000 | CPL-H + IR | 1,000+ hrs |
| EMS / Air Ambulance | $75,000–$110,000 | CPL-H + IR | 2,000+ hrs |
| Law Enforcement | $70,000–$100,000 | CPL-H + IR | 1,500+ hrs |
| Offshore Oil & Gas | $90,000–$130,000 | CPL-H + IR | 1,500+ hrs |
| Corporate Transport | $80,000–$120,000 | CPL-H + IR | 2,000+ hrs |
| Firefighting | $65,000–$95,000 | CPL-H | 1,000+ hrs |
The typical career path: earn your CFI-H at Pelican, build 1,000-1,500 hours teaching students, then transition to your chosen industry. International students on F1 visas can work as CFIs during their OPT period.
For salary research, see our airline pilot salary guide and our article on requirements to become a helicopter pilot.
Our blog covers helicopter training topics in depth. Start here:
It depends on your goal. A Private Pilot License (PPL-H) takes 3-4 months of full-time training. To become a career-ready pilot with a Commercial certificate and Flight Instructor rating, plan for 12-18 months through our Professional Pilot Program H.
Individual certificates range from $18,950 (PPL-H) to $39,584 (CPL-H). The complete Professional Pilot Program H (PPL through CFII) costs $95,101. All prices include aircraft, fuel, and instructor time. See our helicopter CPL cost breakdown for details.
No prior experience is needed. Most of our students start with zero flight time. You can even begin with a 30-minute discovery flight for $299 to experience helicopter flying before enrolling in a full program.
Yes. Our Helicopter Add-On Rating program lets airplane pilots add PPL-H, CPL-H, or CFI-H to their existing certificate with reduced hours. Your airspace knowledge, radio skills, and weather understanding all carry over.
Absolutely. We train students from 50+ countries and issue I-20 documents for F1 visas directly — no university enrollment required. F1 students can enroll in the 18-month Professional Pilot Program H and work as a CFI during their OPT period. See our international students page.
All helicopter training at Pelican uses the Schweizer 300C, a light piston helicopter with dual controls and a proven safety record. It is one of the most cost-efficient training helicopters available. See our fleet page for full specifications.
Part 141 schools (like Pelican) follow an FAA-approved structured curriculum with lower minimum flight hour requirements. Part 61 training is more flexible but requires more hours. For international students on F1 visas, Part 141 accreditation is mandatory. Our Part 141 programs save you time and money.
Helicopter pilots work in flight instruction, EMS/air ambulance, law enforcement, offshore oil and gas, utility, firefighting, tour operations, and corporate transport. Starting salaries range from $40,000 (CFI) to $90,000+ (offshore). See the career table above and our pilot demand page for current data.
Yes. Our helicopter discovery flight is a 30-minute hands-on flying experience starting at $299. You take the controls of a real helicopter with an instructor by your side. The flight time counts toward your PPL-H if you decide to enroll. Gift vouchers are also available.
Start by submitting an application on our website. Our admissions team will contact you within 24-48 hours to discuss your goals, recommend a program, and guide you through enrollment. International students can begin the visa process immediately. Call (305) 877-9069 or message us on WhatsApp.
Helicopter flying requires more coordination, especially when learning to hover. However, with structured instruction and consistent practice, most students master hovering within 5-10 hours. Our experienced instructors have taught hundreds of students through this phase. The challenge is part of what makes helicopter flying so rewarding.
Yes. Programs are structured with an initial deposit followed by installment payments throughout training — you do not pay everything upfront. The Professional Program H uses a 30% initial payment with 3-4 installment stages. See our payment options page for full details.
Florida offers 365 days of flyable weather, access to diverse airspace (Class B, C, D), and proximity to major airports like Miami International. Northern schools lose weeks of training time to winter weather. At Pelican’s Miami location, you train year-round without interruptions.
Yes. FAA regulations require pilots to read, speak, write, and understand English. However, you do not need perfect fluency — conversational English is sufficient to begin. Many of our international students from 50+ countries have successfully completed training at Pelican. Our instructors are experienced in working with non-native English speakers.
Three things: 40+ years of experience (since 1983), FAA Part 141 accreditation (one of only ~4 nationally accredited schools), and a complete helicopter pathway from discovery flight to CFII-H at one location. We are not a tour operator or a pop-up school. Read more on Florida helicopter flight schools and how to choose a flight school.
From a 30-minute discovery flight to a full 18-month professional program — your helicopter career begins at Pelican Flight Training in Miami, Florida.
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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.
In this video, you'll learn what makes our flight school so special — the passion, the professionalism, and the world-class fleet of aircraft used for training. From your first flight to becoming a professional pilot, we will be with you every step of the way.
Take a look right now and see why training at Pelican isn't just about learning — it's about transformation.
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