Part 141 Vs Part 61 Flight School

A lot of people have been asking me recently about the difference between Part 141 and Part 61 flight schools. My goal is to explain in the simplest of terms to help you choose which training program is best for you.

A Little Explanation 

Part 141 and part 61 refers to the FAA Regulations that have to be followed in order for you to obtain a Private Pilots License. What this means is that you as a student have the option to choose 2 different approaches to getting your license. We all like Choices Right? Which do You choose?

Part 141

• More Structured Training

 - Part 141 training is structured to strict FAA Rules and regulations. This could be good                     because all students will learn the same way. Part 141 schools are approved by the FAA.

• Better for Full Time Students / Career Students

 - Because part 141 is structured it allows for a faster paced training. If your goal is to                          become a commercial pilot Faster training = less money

• Potential to obtain license in fewer hours

 - Part 141 training requires 35 hours which could mean less money ( most students take 40-               50 hours)

Part 61

• More Flexible Training

  - Part 61 is less regulated by the FAA which allows students and instructors to choose what               they will go over day of. 

• Better for Part-Time Student

 - Less strict regulation allows students to choose when they fly which can be less often.

 Same idea goes for part 61 instructors. They do not specifically work for a school which

 gives them the flexibility to choose when to work.

• Student can choose the instructor they want

 - Part 61 students have more flexibility when choosing who they want to be an instructor.  Any FAA-Approved flight instructor is Part 61 certified which allows more people to choose from   outside of a flight school.

With all this said it is up to you whether you decide to go with a Part 141 or Part 61 Training Program.

I personally train in a part 141 school but still have the flexibility to choose between many instructors who work for the flight school. I also love the stricter regulations knowing that I will be on par with the FAA Regulations

For more info Check out AOPA Flight Training Guide

If you have any questions let me know and Fly Safe

Chris