Obtain a visa. Complete training. Become a pilot.
We are able to help our international students get their wings regardless of their flight status outside of the United States.
There are multiple different options available to you to obtain your training in the United States; the most common are both F-1 and M-1 visas.
Looking for flight schools in the USA for international students? Every year, hundreds of aspiring pilots from over 50 countries choose Pelican Flight Training — and for good reason. South Florida offers some of the best flying conditions on the planet, and our school combines that advantage with four decades of proven results.
Students from South Korea, Japan, China, Brazil, India, and dozens of other countries have trained here and gone on to fly for airlines worldwide. See what our graduates have achieved.
International students training at flying schools in the USA typically enter on one of two visa types. Both are student visas, but they serve different goals. Here is a clear comparison:
| Factor | M-1 Visa (Vocational) | F-1 Visa (Academic) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Quick certificate completion, return home after training | Full career program with work authorization in the USA |
| Programs | Any single course: PPL, IR, CPL, Multi-Engine, or combination | Full Professional Pilot Program (PPL through CFI) |
| Duration | Typically 3–12 months | Approximately 15 months for the full program |
| Work in USA after? | No — return home after completion | Yes — OPT allows you to work as a CFI and build flight hours |
| Hour building | Not available | Build toward 1,500 hours for ATP / airline hiring |
| University required? | No | No — Pelican issues I-20 directly |
| Family visa | M-2 for dependents | F-2 for dependents |
The M-1 visa is ideal if you want to complete specific flight training courses and return home with FAA certificates. It allows flexible course combinations — from a single Private Pilot License to a full Commercial Pilot certification with Multi-Engine Rating.
The F-1 visa is our most popular option for international students who want to build a full airline career. Pelican's Professional Pilot Program (~15 months) takes you from zero flight experience to Certified Flight Instructor with all required ratings.
The key advantage: after completing the CFI program, you may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — work as a paid instructor at our school, earning up to $54,000 per year while building the 1,500 hours required for the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
General education requirements and previous flight training can be assessed for transfer credits upon application.
Degree-seeking students may also enroll in college programs with participating aviation universities. After graduating from our Professional Pilot Program, up to 40 credits may transfer toward an Associate or Bachelor degree.
The Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) is the document you need from an SEVP-certified school before applying for your F-1 or M-1 visa at the US Embassy. Pelican is authorized to issue I-20 forms directly — no university enrollment required.
Before you arrive at Pelican Flight Training, complete the following steps. This checklist applies to all international students on F-1 or M-1 visas.
Provide proof of graduating from a US high school or its equivalent. If you cannot present a certified equivalence at arrival, Pelican can arrange validation for $250.
All pilot training in the USA for international students is conducted in English. The FAA requires pilots to demonstrate English proficiency at ICAO Level 4 (Operational) or above — for aviation communications, written exams, and radio procedures.
We assess your English level from your education records and CV. If the DPE finds your English insufficient during certification, they may decline to issue your certificate. Contact us before applying if you have concerns about your English level.
The TSA Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) requires all non-US citizens to complete a security background check before flight training. This applies to Private, Commercial, Instrument Rating, and Multi-Engine Rating.
Important: TSA registration cannot begin more than 6 months before your training start date. Check email frequently — if TSA requests corrections, the process pauses until you respond.
| Course | TSA Course ID | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|---|
| Airplane Courses | ||
| Private Pilot / Initial FAA Certificate | 001 Initial License | C152, C172, PA28 |
| Instrument Rating | 002 Instrument Rating | C172, PA28 |
| Multi-Engine Rating | 003 Multi-Engine Rating | PA44 |
| Helicopter Courses | ||
| Private Pilot / Initial FAA Certificate | 001 Initial License | Schweizer 300C |
| Instrument Rating | 002 Instrument Rating | Schweizer 300C |
FAA Medical: You need a valid FAA Medical Certificate to fly solo. If yours is expired or you don't have one, our admissions team schedules a doctor's appointment after arrival.
Health Insurance: All international students must maintain medical insurance throughout training. If you don't have coverage, our team can help you apply. Learn more about insurance options for international students.
Once you receive your I-20 from Pelican:
Already hold a pilot license from another country? Pelican offers a complete ICAO/EASA license conversion program. The process:
Note: If the examiner finds your English proficiency insufficient, they may decline to issue validation. Contact us if you need help with the process.
Learn About License Conversion
Pelican offers both airplane and helicopter programs. The most popular options for international students at our flight school in Florida:
| Program | Duration | Visa | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero to Airline Pilot (Program A) | ~15 months | F-1 / M-1 | PPL → IR → CPL → ME → CFI/CFII/MEI |
| For PPL Holders | 10–15 months | F-1 / M-1 | Continue from PPL to CPL + instructor ratings |
| Foreign License Conversion | Varies | M-1 | Convert ICAO/EASA to FAA + CFI courses |
| Private Pilot License | 2–3 months | M-1 | First FAA certificate, min. 40 flight hours |
| Commercial Pilot License | 2–3 months | M-1 | Fly for compensation, required for airlines |
| Flight Instructor (CFI) | 1–2 months | F-1 (OPT) | Teach and earn up to $54,000/year |
| Helicopter Professional Program | 8–12 months | F-1 / M-1 | Full helicopter career track PPL to CFI |
To celebrate 40 years of training pilots, we are offering a limited-time discount on our flagship Full Professional Pilot Program A:
This price includes all training from zero experience to CFI certification. Download the full presentation (PDF)
Explore all programs and courses or speak with admissions to find the right fit.
Why choose flight schools in Florida for international students over Europe or Asia? Here is a direct comparison:
| Factor | Florida (USA) | Europe (EASA) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel cost | Lower (US aviation fuel significantly cheaper) | Higher fuel, higher landing fees |
| Flying weather | 365 days/year, almost no cancellations | 4–6 months poor conditions (Northern Europe) |
| Training time | CPL in ~15 months (zero to airline-ready) | Often 18–24+ months due to weather/scheduling |
| Landing fees | None at most training airports | Per-landing charges at most airports |
| License recognition | FAA recognized worldwide | EASA limited to EU without conversion |
| Work after training | Yes (F-1 OPT: build hours, earn income) | Generally unavailable for non-EU students |
Florida's combination of low costs, zero landing fees, year-round weather, and the F-1 OPT pathway makes it one of the most cost-effective locations worldwide for pilot training for international students in the USA. Read our full cost breakdown.
Pelican Flight Training is at North Perry Airport (KHWO) in Pembroke Pines, part of the Miami metro area.
More details on our student life and student services pages.
Dedicated pages with country-specific information:
Don't see your country? We welcome students from everywhere. Apply now or contact us.
No. The M-1 visa is for vocational training only and does not permit employment. After completing training, you must return home. To work as a flight instructor and build hours in the USA, choose the F-1 visa with OPT.
Typically 2–4 months: document review (1–2 weeks), I-20 issuance and shipping (1–2 weeks), embassy appointment (2–6 weeks by country), and TSA registration (2–4 weeks). Starting early gives you the most flexibility.
You need a certified equivalence of your high school diploma. If unavailable before arrival, Pelican arranges the validation process for $250. We recommend starting this before you travel.
We don't operate a dormitory, but our team helps students find housing near the school. Shared apartments in Pembroke Pines cost $700–$1,200/month. We also arrange airport pickup.
Yes. FAA requires ICAO English Proficiency Level 4 (Operational) minimum. All training, exams, and radio communications are in English. We assess your level during the application process.
In the USA, 1,500 total flight hours for the ATP certificate. Pelican's program gets you to ~250 hours. Through OPT as a flight instructor, you build 70–100 hours/month. More about airline pilot careers and salaries.
One of the best in the world. 365 days of flyable weather, diverse airspace near Miami, no landing fees, lower fuel costs. Students complete training faster and more affordably than in most other countries.
Full Professional Pilot Program A: $68,310 (40th anniversary special, normally $83,950). Individual courses like PPL start at $12,000–$15,000. See our complete cost breakdown or request a personalized quote.
Join 40 years of international graduates who trained at Pelican Flight Training in Florida. Our admissions team guides you through every step — from your first inquiry to your first solo flight.
Fly From Your CountryStudents by Country & Language
FROM ZERO TO AIRLINE PILOT Commercial Pilot License in 10-15 months / Price $83,950 – Pay after visa approval
Get Commercial Pilot License based on 2 types of training visas M1/F1:
Foreign Pilot Conversion build 1500 hours of flight experience
Convert your ICAO / EASA license to FAA and take CFIs courses.
Become a CFI and build your flight expirience
Build 1500 hours airline hiring minimums.
Visa option: F1 – train, work, and gain experience in the USA
Learn more Start Flying
FROM PPL HOLDERS Commercial Pilot License in 10-15 months / Price $58,207 – pay after visa approval
Get Commercial Pilot License based on F1 Visa
All Programs airlane and helicopter programs
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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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