Pilot Training Programs & Courses
Complete 2026 catalog of all 17 Pelican programs and courses. Airplane, helicopter, individual ratings and full Professional Programs. Current pricing. Direct links to each program page.
Pelican Flight Training offers 17 programs spanning airplane and helicopter pilot training in 2026. The catalog below organizes all programs by category (Airplane, Helicopter, Foreign License Conversion, Specialty), with current 2026 pricing and direct links to each program's dedicated page. For students looking for the bundled zero-to-CPL pathway, see our Professional Pilot Program $68,310 or Professional Helicopter Program $75,380.
Bundled Professional Programs (Best Value)
If your goal is to become a commercial pilot, the bundled Professional Programs offer the lowest total cost vs paying per stage. Three bundles available:
Professional Pilot Program (Airplane)
Price: $68,310 USD | Duration: 14-18 months | Outcome: CPL with Multi-Engine and Instrument Rating
Full pathway from zero hours to commercial-ready airplane pilot. Includes PPL, IR, CPL and MEL. Best for career-track students targeting US regional airlines, mainline carriers, cargo, charter or international airlines.
Professional Helicopter Program H
Price: $75,380 USD | Duration: 18-24 months | Outcome: PPL-H, IR-H, CPL-H, CFI-H, CFII-H
Full helicopter pathway. Best for students targeting EMS, oil and gas (offshore), tour, ENG (news gathering) or VIP transport helicopter careers.
From Zero to CPL (Custom Pathway)
Price: $68,310 USD bundled | Duration: 15 months | Outcome: CPL + IR + MEL + CFI
Customizable bundled pathway with optional CFI add-on. Best for students who want flexible per-stage pricing while maintaining bundled cost saving. See full stage breakdown on the program page.
Your Training Timeline at Pelican
The full-time Professional Pilot Program A takes about 40 weeks of training, from no experience to a Commercial Pilot License and all instructor ratings. Classes start every month, so you begin when you are ready, not when a semester allows.
Application, Form I-20, SEVIS fee and embassy interview. Plan 1-3 months ahead; the consulate appointment varies most by country.
One TSA application covers your training for up to 5 years. FAA medical with an AME. Both can run before you arrive.
First solo at around 20-30 flight hours, checkride to earn your Private Pilot Certificate.
Flying by instruments in the Cessna 172 and the ALSIM simulator.
Time building, commercial maneuvers and the CPL checkride (includes the MEL rating in Program A).
Twin-engine training in the Piper Seminole.
Become a certified flight instructor and start getting paid to fly.
Add the instrument instructor rating.
Add the multi-engine instructor rating - the full Professional Pilot Program A.
Upcoming Class Start Dates
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Airplane Individual Programs
| Program | Price USD | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airplane Private Pilot Certification (PPL) | $14,155 (C152) / $15,702 (C172) | 3-5 months | Recreational pilots, first license |
| Instrument Pilot Rating (IR) | $14,653 | 3-4 months | PPL holders adding instrument capability |
| Commercial Pilot Certification (CPL) | $58,782 (includes IR if not held) | 9-12 months | PPL holders pursuing commercial career |
| Multi-Engine Pilot Certification (MEL) | $6,380 | 2-4 weeks | CPL holders preparing for regional airline employment |
| Airplane Program for PPL Holders | Customized | 9-14 months | Pilots with foreign PPL or US PPL adding ratings |
Helicopter Programs
Pelican is one of only four FAA Part 141 helicopter-accredited schools in the United States. Full helicopter pathway available:
| Program | Price USD | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopter Private Pilot Certification (PPL-H) | $18,950 | First helicopter license |
| Helicopter Instrument Rating (IR-H) | $16,300 | PPL-H holders adding instrument capability |
| Helicopter Commercial Pilot License (CPL-H) | $26,359 | PPL-H holders pursuing commercial helicopter career |
| Helicopter Certified Flight Instructor (CFI-H) | $9,233 | CPL-H holders teaching as helicopter CFI |
| Helicopter Instrument Instructor (CFII-H) | $5,956 | CFI-H holders adding instrument instructor |
| Helicopter Pilot Training Hub (overview) | various | Helicopter pathway navigation and program selection |
| Helicopter Discovery Flight | $350 (30 min) / $499 (60 min) | Introductory hands-on helicopter flight, no experience required |
| Helicopter Add-On Rating | From $18,950 | Airplane pilots adding helicopter rating |
Flight Instructor Programs
| Program | Price USD | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) | $8,325 | CPL holders building hours toward ATP through US instruction work |
| CFII (Instrument Instructor) | $32,298 | CFI holders adding instrument instructor capability (high demand) |
| MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor) | $6,379 (Part 61) / $6,451 (Part 141) | CFI holders teaching multi-engine students (highest demand instructor) |
| Become a Flight Instructor (career overview) | Variable bundle | Complete CFI/CFII/MEI bundle for full instructor career |
Specialty and Conversion Programs
| Program | Price USD | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| ICAO and EASA License Conversion to FAA | $8,000 - $42,000 (varies by starting credential) | Foreign-licensed pilots converting to FAA license |
How to Choose the Right Program
The right Pelican program depends on three factors: your starting credentials, your career goal, and your timeline.
By starting credentials
- Zero flight hours, US citizen or international student: Start with the Professional Pilot Program $68,310 for airplane career or the Professional Helicopter Program $75,380 for helicopter career.
- Have a PPL (US or foreign): Either continue with Instrument Rating then CPL, or use the Airplane Program for PPL Holders customized pathway.
- Have ICAO/EASA CPL or higher: Use the ICAO/EASA Conversion Program.
- Want to try helicopter before committing: Start with a Helicopter Discovery Flight ($350).
By career goal
- US regional airline: Professional Pilot Program then CFI for hour-building.
- US mainline major airline: Same path, plus 3-7 years at regional first.
- International airline (Emirates, Qatar, Saudia, ANA, etc): Professional Pilot Program plus OPT employment in US as CFI, then conversion to home country license.
- Corporate / Part 135 charter: CPL with IR and MEL, then specific operator hire.
- Helicopter EMS: Full helicopter pathway through CFII-H, then 1,500-2,500 hours building.
- Helicopter offshore oil and gas: Full helicopter pathway, build to 1,500-2,000 hours.
- Helicopter tour / sightseeing: CPL-H minimum, lower hour entry possible.
- Flight instruction as career (not stepping stone): CFI + CFII + MEI bundle.
By timeline
- 14-18 months full-time: Professional Pilot Program at Pelican.
- 2-4 weeks for specific rating: Multi-Engine, CFI individual ratings.
- 6-12 months part-time: Individual PPL or IR programs.
- 6-9 months for foreign license conversion: ICAO/EASA Conversion Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many programs does Pelican offer?
17 programs total in 2026: 3 bundled Professional Programs (Airplane Pro, Helicopter Pro, Zero-to-CPL), 5 airplane individual programs (PPL, IR, CPL, MEL, PPL Holder pathway), 8 helicopter programs (PPL-H, IR-H, CPL-H, CFI-H, CFII-H, hub, discovery flight, add-on rating), 4 flight instructor programs (CFI, CFII, MEI, become flight instructor overview), and 1 specialty program (ICAO/EASA Conversion).
What is the cheapest way to become a commercial pilot at Pelican?
The bundled Professional Pilot Program at $68,310 is the lowest total cost path from zero hours to CPL with Multi-Engine and Instrument Rating. Paying for each stage individually adds up to approximately $72,000-$78,000.
Can I combine airplane and helicopter training?
Yes. Some Pelican students start with airplane Professional Pilot Program and add a Helicopter Add-On Rating ($18,950+) during or after their primary training. Others enroll in airplane and helicopter programs in parallel. Talk to admissions for customized program planning.
Which program has the most graduates working in airlines today?
The Professional Pilot Program (or its equivalent zero-to-CPL pathways across the school's 40 years) has produced the largest share of Pelican alumni now flying for US regional, mainline major, and international carriers worldwide.
How do I get from the catalog to actually starting training?
Submit the online application with your program of interest. Our admissions team reviews within 24 business hours and contacts you to confirm enrollment details, financing options, F-1 visa support if applicable, and start date. New classes begin the 1st of every month.
Are there any package discounts for combining multiple programs?
Yes. The bundled Professional Programs already include package discounts vs paying per stage. For custom combinations (e.g. airplane Pro Program + Helicopter PPL-H), admissions can produce a customized package quote.
Start Your Application Today
Or contact admissions at +1 (954) 966-9750 to discuss the right program for your goals and starting point.
FAA Flight training programs
FROM ZERO TO AIRLINE PILOT Commercial Pilot License in 10-15 months / Price $68,310 – Pay after visa approval
- FAA 141 approved & ACCSC accredited
- 35+ years of experience
Get Commercial Pilot License based on 2 types of training visas M1/F1:
- M1 Visa programs – Flexible course combinations
- F1 Visa program – Train, work, and build hours in the USA
Foreign Pilot Conversion build 1500 hours of flight experience
Convert your ICAO / EASA license to FAA and take CFIs courses.
- Get paid to fly and earn back up $54,000 as a certified flight instructor, , and continue building the required hours for airline pilot training at our FAA approved pilot training school.
- Join US regional airline for 1 year and be sponsored for the Type Rating
Become a CFI and build your flight expirience
Build 1500 hours airline hiring minimums.
- Get paid to fly and earn back up $54,000
- Join US regional airline for 1 year and be sponsored for the Type Rating
- FAA 141 approved & ACCSC accredited
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
- FAA 141 approved & ACCSC accredited
- F1 Visa – Train, work, and build 1,500 hours in the USA
- M1 Visa – Flexible training, return home after completion
- Multi-Engine Add-on and Instructor Ratings available
All Programs airlane and helicopter programs
- FAA part 141 & ACCSC accredited
- Since 1985 – 35+ years of excellence
- From zero experience to airline career
- airplane & helicopter courses for all Levels
- International student visa options (M1/F1)
Need help?
Get free consultation with our school officer about your aviation career and find the best path to your goals.
Explore Our Flight School – Watch the Video
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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2000+Airplane Private Pilot Certifications
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1500+Airplane Commercial Pilot Certifications
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1500+Airplane Multi-Engine Pilot Certifications
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1000+Airplane Flight Instructor Certifications
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