Overview: Shaping the Next Generation of Helicopter Pilots
In an industry where precision, resilience, and technical mastery define success, Pelican Flight Training stands out as a beacon of excellence in rotorcraft education. The Professional Pilot Program “H” is a vocational training pathway accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Designed for aspiring aviators with no prior flight experience, this program is a fully integrated, career-oriented track that takes students from the foundational stages of helicopter flight to industry-ready, certified flight instructor status.
Pelican’s location in South Florida, operating from North Perry Airport, provides a strategic advantage — offering year-round flyable weather and real-world exposure to complex airspace conditions near Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Opa-Locka. These conditions are essential for producing adaptable, skilled pilots ready for the challenges of global helicopter operations.
Curriculum Breakdown: From Fundamentals to Flight Instruction
The Professional Pilot Program “H” is a structured, sequential training experience that covers the full spectrum of helicopter aviation certifications:
- Private Pilot Certificate – Rotorcraft
- Introduction to flight principles, emergency procedures, and VFR navigation
- Mastery of preflight, hover, takeoff/landing, and autorotation techniques
- Instrument Rating – Helicopter
- Training in instrument navigation, IFR communication, and simulated instrument meteorological conditions
- Essential for flying in low-visibility or commercial airspace operations
- Commercial Pilot Certificate – Helicopter
- Focus on advanced flight maneuvers, precision, and commercial-grade decision-making
- FAA Part 61/141 compliant with preparation for real-world client/passenger missions
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – Helicopter
- Instructional techniques, safety leadership, and in-air training competencies
- Prepares students to begin accruing hours while educating the next generation of pilots
- Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) – Helicopter
- Specialized training in teaching instrument flight skills to new pilots
- A key milestone toward gaining the experience required by commercial operators
These certifications are delivered through classroom instruction, simulator training, and extensive in-air flight experience, with hour requirements based on FAA minimums. If students possess prior flight experience, Pelican offers an evaluation for credit toward their certifications, reducing time and cost.
Eligibility Requirements
To enroll in the Professional Pilot Program “H”, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English
- Be eligible for medical certification per FAA standards
Investment and Tuition
- Total Program Cost: $95,101
- Payment Plan:
- 30% initial deposit
- Remaining balance distributed across 3–4 training stages
- Tuition includes ground school, dual/solo flight time, simulator training, and instructor fees (as per minimum required hours)
Note: Additional hours beyond FAA minimums, if needed, are billed at standard flight school rates.
Career Opportunities: A Dynamic Industry Awaits
The helicopter aviation industry is highly specialized and increasingly in demand. With fewer than 10% of all U.S. pilots certified in rotorcraft, the career outlook for helicopter pilots is strong and diverse.
Graduates of this program will be qualified to begin accruing flight hours as instructors, opening doors to various sectors, such as:
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) – Critical care transport and medevac
- Aerial Firefighting and Search & Rescue
- Law Enforcement and Border Patrol
- Powerline, Pipeline, and Utility Inspection
- Offshore Oil Rig Support
- Agricultural Applications (Crop Dusting, Seeding, etc.)
- Sightseeing, Charter, and Luxury Transport
- Executive and Corporate Aviation
- Test and Demo Flying for Manufacturers
As a Pelican-trained graduate, students gain not only technical expertise but the professional polish and operational readiness required by employers worldwide.
Why Train at Pelican Flight Training?
- Over 30 years of aviation education excellence
- FAA-certified flight school with high safety and instructional standards
- Multi-lingual international student support team
- Strategically located in weather-friendly Florida for optimal training continuity
- Personalized mentorship with a low student-to-instructor ratio
- Proven track record of graduates achieving employment in global markets
Students also benefit from access to modern training helicopters, advanced simulators, and proximity to high-traffic airports — essential for developing real-world navigation and communication skills.
Transform Your Passion into a Profession
Pelican Flight Training believes that helicopter aviation is more than a skill — it’s a lifestyle and a commitment to mastery. Our instructors understand the drive it takes to become a rotorcraft pilot. They’ve lived it and now guide others to success through a rigorous yet rewarding journey.
For students who dream of flying machines that many believe shouldn’t fly — this is your invitation. At Pelican, we celebrate that dream and give it wings.
Explore More or Apply Today
📍 Location: North Perry Airport, Pembroke Pines, Florida
📞 Contact: Pelican Flight School Helicopter Program
📩 Apply Now: Enrollment is open for domestic and international students
