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To Go Part 61 or Part 141?

Flight training with a Curtiss JN-4 Canuck. Wikimedia
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Part 61 and Part 141 refer to different FAA regulations governing flight training, with Part 61 allowing flexible training by any approved instructor and Part 141 requiring structured, FAA-approved flight schools with stricter oversight.
  • Despite their differences in structure and rigidity, both Part 61 and Part 141 training methods require students to meet the same performance standards to obtain a pilot certificate, as defined by the FAA's Airman Certification Standards.
  • The best choice between Part 61 and Part 141 depends on a student's individual learning style, schedule, and long-term goals, with Part 141 often suiting full-time students aiming for a professional career and Part 61 offering 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

FLYING Magazine is a one-stop resource for everything aviation, including news, training, aircraft, gear, careers, photos, videos, and more.

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