Pembroke Pines in South Florida is home to Pelican Flight School. Operating since 1985, the school opened a year before the first Top Gun movie that made everyone want to be a pilot.
It’s possible to sign up for a wide range of courses, whether you have no flying hours, want to convert from a foreign pilot’s license, or guarantee an interview with a regional airline. Career consulting is supplied by Pelican to ensure you can claw back your sizable investment after completing your program. It’s one of the top-flight schools in the United States for international students as it’s very well-known and receives many students from outside the country.
If you’re starting with no experience, you can get your commercial pilot’s license within 6 to 18 months. For current PPL holders, this can be reduced to between 4 and 14 months.
Pelican Flight School can also assist with sponsorship programs provided by regional airlines, which can help fund certified flight instructors and foreign pilot conversion programs. They also offer helicopter flying classes.
Pelican promises to train you 35% quicker than other schools. The programs are approved by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and FAA 141. When studying away from home, accommodations are provided in shared rooms close to the school. The facilities include a gym, two pools, sports courts, game rooms, and a communal recreation area.