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.
To Go Part 61 or Part 141?
Key Takeaways:
- Part 61 and Part 141 refer to different FAA regulations governing flight training, with Part 141 schools being highly structured, FAA-approved, and subject to regular audits, while Part 61 training offers more flexibility and can be provided by any FAA-approved instructor.
- Both methods of flight training ultimately require students to meet the same performance standards to obtain a pilot certificate, guided by the FAA's Airman Certification Standards (ACS).
- The choice between Part 61 and Part 141 depends on a student's schedule, learning style, and long-term goals; Part 61 is generally more flexible for part-time learners, whereas Part 141's structured curriculum often suits full-time students pursuing a professional aviation career.
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