Flight School in Florida, USA – Pelican Flight Training

  Why VFR and IFR Matter More Than You Think Every flight you take, from your very first lesson to your most complex cross-country mission, is shaped by one simple choice: will you fly under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) or IFR (Instrument Flight Rules)? These two sets of regulations define how you navigate, how you plan, and even how you think in the cockpit. Understanding them isn’t just about passing a written test — it’s about becoming a safer, smarter pilot. If you’re a student pilot, a new private pilot, or planning a professional aviation career , learning how VFR and IFR differ will make every part of flying — from preflight planning to decision-making — clearer and more intuitive. The Basics. What VFR and IFR Really Mean At their core, VFR and IFR describe how you fly. VFR relies on visual references outside the cockpit — terrain, landmarks, the horizon, and other aircraft. It’s how most pilots start, and it works beautifully when the weather is clear. IFR is used when visibil...

  Dreaming of a Career Above the Clouds Have you ever imagined sitting in the cockpit, steering an aircraft through the sky, and building a career that quite literally takes you above everything? Whether your goal is to become a professional pilot , accumulate hours for an airline job, or train the next generation of aviators, your journey always begins with earning the right certifications. The aviation industry provides clear, structured pathways that guide you from complete beginner to certified professional — all without requiring a college degree. This guide will walk you through the essential FAA licenses and ratings that lay the groundwork for a career in aviation. You’ll learn what each certificate allows you to do, the requirements to earn it, and how these steps connect to form a complete career path. Step-by-Step Path to a Professional Pilot Career The typical route to becoming a professional pilot in the United States follows this sequence: Private Pilot Certificate (PP...

  A career as an airline pilot has always been regarded as both prestigious and thrilling, offering far more than the simple excitement of flying. Today, it has become one of the most attractive professions globally, thanks to a well-documented pilot shortage that fuels higher wages, generous bonuses, and accelerated career advancement. According to industry projections, more than 649,000 new pilots will be needed in the next two decades, opening up significant opportunities for those entering the field. How Pilots Get Paid Pilot compensation differs markedly from many other jobs. Instead of fixed annual salaries, pilots usually earn an hourly wage based on flight hours. Most airlines guarantee a minimum number of monthly hours, typically between 140 and 200, to provide stable income regardless of scheduling changes, delays, or weather interruptions. There’s more: pilots also gain daily per diem for meal and living expenses when away from base, as well as training stipends during o...

When people ask if they need “perfect vision” to become a pilot , they’re usually wondering whether uncorrected 20/20 eyesight is mandatory. The truth is far less intimidating: you don’t need flawless vision — you just need to meet the FAA’s medical standards, and you can absolutely do that with glasses, contacts, or even after corrective surgery. What 20/20 Actually Means Having 20/20 vision refers to your ability to clearly see details at 20 feet, not to having “perfect” eyesight. Many people meet this standard with prescription lenses, and the FAA accepts that. If you’re pursuing any pilot certificate — from private to commercial — you’ll undergo a vision exam as part of your medical certification. Here’s what the FAA typically requires: Distance vision (each eye): 20/20 or better (with correction allowed) Near vision (16 inches): 20/40 or better Intermediate vision (for those 50+): 20/40 or better The key point is that your eyesight doesn’t have to be naturally perfect. It just ne...

  When people ask, “ Do I need perfect eyesight to become a pilot? ” , what they usually mean is whether uncorrected, natural 20/20 vision is a must. The good news is, it’s not. You don’t need flawless eyesight - you just need to meet the FAA’s vision standards, either naturally or with glasses or contacts. That’s one of the most common questions future students bring up at Pelican Flight School . Before we get into FAA rules, let’s clear up what 20/20 actually means. What Is 20/20 Vision? 20/20 is a way of measuring distance visual acuity - basically, how clearly you can see something that’s 20 feet away. But having 20/20 doesn’t mean your vision is “perfect.” It simply means you hit a benchmark that’s considered normal. And under FAA medical rules, it’s perfectly fine to reach that level with prescription lenses. If you’re applying for a pilot certificate - whether it’s for private flying or to build a career as a professional aviator - you’ll need to pass an FAA vision exam as p...