What's right for you?
Everyone learns differently. Do you crave structure, documentation, a textbook you can cling to and use to make copious notes? Or did you embrace it when your high school English teacher took the class outside on a gorgeous spring day to read in the sun? Are you planning to become a pilot so you can one day be called "Captain," or are you simply planning to fly for an occasional $100 hamburger and punch holes in the sky?
The answers to these questions can help you choose the right way for you to learn to fly. Part 61 and Part 141 of the Federal Aviation Regulations offer two different ways to learn. You will hear flight schools describe themselves as operating under Part 61 or Part 141. The terms Part 61 and Part 141 refer to the regulations under which training is conducted. Both give parameters for students earning pilot certificates.
The quality is equal in either case; the difference is in the style of instruction. Part 61 regulations do not require a set flight or ground training schedule, a dedicated classroom, or supervising staff. Under Part 141, the flight school is required to follow more structured paperwork, provide a classroom facility, and adhere to curriculum requirements. The regulations require 40 hours of instruction under Part 61 for a private pilot certificate, 35 under Part 141. A Part 141 flight school will have a TCO (training course outline); under Part 61, you and your instructor can construct your training in a way that best fits your schedule. Part 141 training is directly supervised by the FAA; there is less direct oversight by the FAA under Part 61.
"As a student pilot, you need to determine why you are getting your certificate in the first place," said Craig Brown, AOPA aviation technical specialist. "If your goal is to become a commercial pilot in an economically feasible manner, Part 141 training is a good idea."
One of the benefits of Part 141 training is that commercial certificates can be obtained with appreciably fewer hours than under Part 61. The private certificate can be obtained in 35 hours, the instrument rating in 35, and you can qualify for the commercial certificate 120 hours later — that's 190 total hours compared to 250 under Part 61. "It's a fast track to your commercial certificate," said Brown. But both tracks are equally good ways to go.
If your goal is to fly for pleasure and occasional business, a less academic and structured environment might be better suited to your time schedule. A career-minded student should consider a full-time program. Many schools offer both Part 141 and 61 options. Choose what's right for you — and what you want to get out of flying.
As an AOPA member, you have access to the best resources anywhere for information and answers for pilots. AOPA provides information for its members through a vast array of communications technologies. You can reach experts in all fields of aviation via AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/members/), the AOPA Pilot Information Center (800/USA-AOPA), and e-mail ( inforequest@aopa.org). Aviation technical specialists respond promptly to member requests while AOPA Online provides members with access to information and resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The toll-free AOPA Pilot Information Center gives you direct access to specialists in every area of aviation. The center is available to members from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
AOPA Web resources
These subject reports provide answers to frequently asked questions. The AOPA Aviation Services department (800/872-2672) answers more than 100,000 calls a year from members needing assistance with a variety of aviation-related issues.
www.aopa.org/members/files/topics/
This link will take you to "Part 61 and Part 141 Flight Schools." Included are articles from AOPA Pilot and AOPA Flight Training magazines and applications for Part 141 pilot school certification.
www.aopa.org/members/files/topics/flight_schools.html
A comparison of instruction under parts 61 and 141, excerpted from AOPA's Guide to Learning to Fly. This subject overview explains the differences between the two programs of study.
www.aopa.org/members/files/topics/flight_schools_overview.html
"Recipe for a Pilot" offers advice on choosing between Part 61 and Part 141 instruction. The article compares costs, aircraft, ground school, and facilities.
www.aopa.org/members/files/topics/choose_school/recipe.html
From AOPA Flight Training magazine, "Flying Smart: Aviation Speak" discusses the differences between Part 61 and Part 141 training.
www.aopa.org/members/ftmag/article.cfm?article=4329
FAR Part 61, "Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors."
www.aopa.org/members/files/fars/far-61.html
FAR Part 141, "Pilot Schools."
www.aopa.org/members/files/fars/far-141.html
Search for flight schools in your area. The database provides information on whether the school is a Part 141 pilot school.
www.aopa.org/learntofly/school/
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