Difference Between FAA Part 61 and Part 141 Flight Schools

 

As you review information and decide on what U.S. flight school is best for you, some terms might be confusing.  One relates to a “Part 141″ or a “Part 61″ flight school.  What is the difference and which is best for you?

 

There are only two types of flight schools in the U.S. One is a certified Part 141 school and the other a Part 61 school. Phoenix East Aviation is authorized by the U.S. government’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to offer both Part 141 and Part 61 training.  A Part 141 school has been granted an Air Agency Certificate by the FAA. The quality of student performance under Part 141 is measured through progressive flight exams throughiout training (called “stage checks”.)  All training is documented and maintained to high quality FAA standards. Part 141 certificated schools may also qualify for a ground school rating and a flight school rating; Phoenix East Aviation has both a ground school rating and a flight school rating. Also, Phoenix East Aviation has been authorized by the FAA to give students practical tests and knowledge tests. This saves the student both time and money, and many academies do not off this advantage. 

 

The list of Certificated Pilot Schools in the U.S. can be found on the FAA website, AC 140-2 List of Certificated Flight Schools.

 

Why do you want to choose one type of school over another? If you plan to have a career as a professional pilot (airline pilot, corporate pilot, charter pilot etc.), enrolling in a Part 141 certificated school usually ensures quality and continuity of training. And if you are an international student, the U.S. government typically wants you to train only at a Part 141 school.

 

Another difference between a Part 141 academy and a Part 61 is that Part 141 academies must meet prescribed FAA standards for equipment, personnel, facilities and curricula taught. Also, a Part 141 certificated academy is allowed to require fewer flight hours to qualify for a pilot certificate. For example, the Private Pilot Certificate requires a minimum of 40 hours flying in a Part 61 school and a minimum of 35 hours in a Part 141 school.

 

See www.pea.com for more information on career pilot training.