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To Go Part 61 or Part 141?

Flight training with a Curtiss JN-4 Canuck. Wikimedia
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Key Takeaways:

  • Part 61 and Part 141 refer to the federal regulations governing pilot training, with Part 61 offering more flexibility (any FAA instructor) and Part 141 pertaining to structured, FAA-approved flight schools with specific curricula and oversight.
  • Both training methods require students to meet the same performance standards for pilot certification, but Part 141 schools often have more rigid requirements, structured curricula, and FAA surveillance audits.
  • The choice between Part 61 and Part 141 depends on a student's learning style, schedule, and long-term aviation goals; Part 141 is often better suited for full-time, professional career-track students, while Part 61 offers greater flexibility.
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One of the most basic questions any potential flight student has is what kind of school to attend. Some schools advertise their “Part 141” status, but exactly what that means is rarely clarified. The new Airman Certification Standards updated in June 2018 for the private pilot certificate make the choice even more nuanced, as more detailed expectations as to what is required for the certificate drive training at both types of schools.

FLYING Staff

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