What Pelican Flight Training Is

Pelican Flight Training is a flight school that operates at multiple locations across the United States, primarily offering pilot certification programs and continuing education for pilots. The school teaches students to fly fixed-wing aircraft and prepares them for the written exams and practical tests required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to earn pilot certificates.

Unlike some flight schools that operate at a single location, Pelican has multiple campuses, which means the specific programs, aircraft available, and instructor schedules can vary depending on which location you contact. The school serves people who want to become commercial pilots, earn their private pilot certificate, or add ratings to an existing certificate.

Key Takeaways

  • Pelican Flight Training operates at multiple U.S. locations and offers FAA pilot certification programs ranging from private pilot to commercial pilot levels.
  • The cost, timeline, and aircraft used for training depend on which Pelican location you attend and which certificate or rating you pursue.
  • You will need to pass an FAA medical exam and a written knowledge test before you can take your practical flying test with an examiner.
  • Flight training typically requires 40 to 60 hours of flight time for a private pilot certificate, though many students need more hours to be ready for the test.
  • Contacting your local Pelican campus directly is the fastest way to learn about current pricing, available aircraft, and instructor availability.

How Pilot Certification Works in the U.S.

Before you start flight training anywhere, including at Pelican, you should understand the path to becoming a licensed pilot. The FAA issues several types of pilot certificates, and each one requires a specific number of flight hours, ground school instruction, and passing scores on written and practical tests.

A private pilot certificate is the most common starting point. It allows you to fly an aircraft for personal reasons but not for payment. To earn it, you typically need 40 to 60 hours of flight time, though many students require 70 or more hours before they are ready for the FAA practical test. You will also need to pass the FAA written exam (called the Knowledge Test) and complete a practical test with an FAA examiner, which includes an oral exam and a flight check.

A commercial pilot certificate is the next step up and allows you to be paid to fly. It requires more flight hours—typically 250 total hours of flight experience—and additional training in more complex scenarios. Some people pursue this certificate when ready after their private pilot certificate; others wait and build experience first.

What Happens During Flight Training at Pelican

Flight training at Pelican combines ground school (classroom instruction) and flight time in actual aircraft. Ground school covers topics like aircraft systems, weather, navigation, regulations, and emergency procedures. This instruction may happen in a classroom, online, or through a combination of both, depending on the location and program.

Flight time is where you sit in the aircraft with an instructor and practice the skills you learned in ground school. Early flights focus on basic control of the aircraft—how to turn, climb, and descend smoothly. As you progress, you learn navigation, emergency procedures, and how to handle different weather and landing conditions. Your instructor will gradually give you more control of the aircraft as your skills improve.

The number of hours you fly depends on the certificate you are pursuing and how quickly you learn. Pelican instructors will recommend when you are ready to take your written exam and, later, when you are ready for your FAA practical test. This timeline varies widely—some students are ready in three months, others take six months or longer.

Medical Requirements and the FAA Exam

Before you can fly solo (without an instructor), you must obtain an FAA medical certificate. This is a medical exam performed by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), a doctor who is trained to evaluate whether you meet FAA health standards. The exam checks your vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and mental health history. Most people pass without issue, but some medical conditions or medications can disqualify you or require special approval.

You will also need to pass the FAA Knowledge Test, a written exam that covers the material from ground school. The test is administered at testing centers across the country and costs money to take (the fee varies by testing center). You can take practice tests online to prepare, and many flight schools, including Pelican, include test preparation materials in their programs.

After you pass the written exam and your instructor believes you are ready, you will schedule a practical test with an FAA examiner. This test includes an oral exam where the examiner asks you questions about aircraft systems, weather, and regulations, and a flight portion where you demonstrate your flying skills. The examiner is not your Pelican instructor—they are an independent FAA representative.

Cost and Financing Options

The total cost of flight training varies significantly based on the certificate you pursue, the aircraft used, fuel prices, and instructor rates. A private pilot certificate typically costs between $8,000 and $15,000 in total, though some locations or programs may cost more or less. A commercial pilot certificate costs substantially more because it requires more flight hours and advanced training.

Pelican's pricing depends on which location you attend. Some campuses may offer financing plans, payment plans, or partnerships with lenders. You should contact your local Pelican campus directly to ask about current pricing and whether they offer any financing options. Some students also explore military benefits, employer sponsorship, or personal loans to cover training costs.

Keep in mind that the quoted price for a certificate program usually covers instruction and some flight hours, but additional hours beyond the program may cost extra. If you need more flight time than the program includes to be ready for your test, you will pay for those hours separately.

Choosing a Pelican Location and Getting Started

Because Pelican operates at multiple locations, the first step is to identify which campus is nearest to you or most convenient. Each location may have different aircraft, instructor availability, and program schedules. You can search online for "Pelican Flight Training" plus your city or region to find the nearest location.

Once you have identified a location, contact them directly by phone or through their website. Ask about the specific programs they offer, the cost, how long training typically takes, and when the next class or training slot begins. They can also answer questions about whether you need a medical certificate before you start or whether you can begin ground school while you arrange your medical exam.

Be prepared to discuss your goals—whether you want a private pilot certificate, a commercial certificate, or a specific rating like an instrument rating. The school can then recommend a training path and timeline tailored to what you want to accomplish.

What Happens After You Earn Your Certificate

Once you pass your FAA practical test and earn your pilot certificate, you are a licensed pilot. However, your training does not necessarily end there. Many pilots pursue additional ratings—such as an instrument rating, which allows you to fly in clouds and low-visibility conditions, or a multi-engine rating, which allows you to fly aircraft with more than one engine. Pelican offers continuing education and additional ratings at many of its locations.

You will also need to maintain your certificate through regular flight hours and periodic training. The FAA requires that you fly at least three takeoffs and landings every 90 days to carry passengers, and you must complete a flight review every two years. Many pilots use Pelican or other flight schools for recurrent training and to stay sharp on their skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need flying experience before I start at Pelican?

No. Pelican accepts students with no flying experience. Ground school and flight training are designed for beginners. Your instructor will teach you everything you need to know, starting from the basics of how an aircraft works and how to control it.

How long does it take to get a private pilot certificate?

Most students complete a private pilot certificate in three to six months, though this depends on how often you fly, how quickly you learn, and how much flight time you need before you are ready for your test. Some people finish in two months if they fly multiple times per week; others take longer if they fly less frequently.

What if I fail my FAA practical test?

If you do not pass your practical test, you can retake it. You will need to work with your instructor to identify what needs improvement, practice those skills, and then schedule another test with an FAA examiner. There is an additional fee to retake the test, but many students who do not pass on the first attempt pass on the second.

Can I use my pilot certificate to make money?

A private pilot certificate does not allow you to be paid to fly. If you want to fly for compensation, you need a commercial pilot certificate, which requires more training and flight hours. After earning your commercial certificate, you can work as a flight instructor, charter pilot, or in other aviation jobs.

Does Pelican offer training for people who already have a pilot certificate?

Yes. Pelican offers additional ratings and recurrent training for pilots who already hold a certificate. This includes instrument ratings, multi-engine ratings, and refresher courses. Contact your local Pelican location to ask what advanced training they offer.