Differences Between Part 61 and Part 141

What is the difference between part 61 and part 141? The difference between these two training environments makes a difference in how flight training is structured.

Part 141 requires flight schools to receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for their flight training. Part 61, on the other hand, allows the instructor to have more personal freedom in how they run their program.

The designations refer to the FAA regulations that address flight training. One of the goals of adopting two sets of rules was to provide a means for required training hours to be reduced.

What is the Difference Between Parts 61 and 141?

If you’re not familiar with these terms, they are sections with the Federal Aviation Regulations. Part 61 is the portion of the regulations that flight instructors and flight schools initially follow.

How Did Part 141 Come Into Being?

Several flight schools decided that the second set of FAA regulations might be in order. The idea was that if the flight schools met specific criteria, they could reduce the total number of mandatory training hours.

These criteria include:

• Having a training facility meeting FAA standards
• Using an FAA-approved curriculum
• Careful record-keeping for all flight and ground lessons
• FAA inspection availability at all times
• Aircraft maintained under stringent standards
• FAA-approved teaching methods and personnel

How Do Parts 61 and 141 Differ?

A relatively small number of flight schools have received Part 141 approval. There are some substantial differences in the amount of flight time required for all pilots:

• Private Pilot – 35 hours instead of 40
• Instrument Rating – 35 hours instead of 40
• Cross Country Flight Time – not required
• Commercial Rating – 190 hours instead of 250

What Are the Overall Advantages of Part 141?

One of the best things about 141 flight training is that you can save up to 60 flight hours. Although the average savings of over $13,000 are important, there is more to it than the savings.

The flight training that you receive is based on the highest standards. You will have the best chance of having your training respected.

Could Part 141 Training Hasten Your Employment?

Another one of the advantages of 141 training is that it helps you in a competitive environment that keeps growing. Flight instructors often move to aviation very quickly, and airlines have a constant need for pilots.

Because flight instructors often move on, it’s not uncommon for Part 61 training students to have multiple flight instructors. When your training is under Part 61, all your training is contained in a logbook with the instructor’s endorsement.

When you have to switch instructors, the new instructor must review everything before any endorsements. When you have your training under Part 141, your school holds all your records, keeping everything as disruption-free as possible.

How Part 141 Training Keeps Your Training Going Smoothly

Many aviation students have to stop and restart their flight training multiple times because of an instructor leaving. This situation arises because flight students receiving training under Part 61 instead of Part 141.

Students will not need to demonstrate their skills again with Part 141 training just because the previous instructor has left. Your instruction record is connected with the school, so your new instructor has all the necessary information.

Is There Any Difference in Training Quality Between Part 61 and Part 141 Training?

The quality of training that pilots receive under these regulations does not differ. It’s important for people who want to be pilots to know that the differences only affect how the training is done, not how good it is.

One of the things that makes many people question the quality of the training is the difference in the number of flight hours. Despite the difference in the number of minimum flight hours, the instruction quality is not diminished in any way.

We’ve taken a look at the advantages of Part 61 training after having seen the benefits of training under Part 141. Aviation students will be in a better position to decide which type of training is best for them after having seen both sides.

Relative Flexibility

Schools that operate under Part 61 are more flexible with their syllabus, allowing adjustment to the program to suit the student’s goals. Because the schedules aren’t predetermined, students with personal needs that require flexible schedules will be able to get their training in more easily.

Free-Range Training

Schools that operate under Part 61 don’t require the FAA level of structure required of Part 141 for their programs. For example, flight schools under Part 61 rules do not require the stage checks mandatory under Part 141 regulations.

Completing Your Training on Your Schedule

Your personal schedule, instead of the flight instructors’ and school’s schedule, will determine how quickly you can complete your Part 61 training. How quickly you progress through your training will depend on your instructor, not the stage checks required under Part 141 training.

More Hours Are Required

Under Part 61, more flight hours are required to receive licensure because the curriculum is less regulated. However, many would consider the difference in needed flight hours negligible.

Differences in Costs

Although Part 141 schools may have lower costs, some Part 61 schools could charge less than their more heavily-regulated counterparts. An advantage that comes with training under Part 61 is the possibility of negotiating the rate you pay the instructor and the rental cost of the plane.

What Are the Most Important Factors to Consider Regardless of Which Option You Choose?

Whether Part 61 or Part 141 suits your needs better depends on what you expect to get from your training. Do your goals include mostly flying for fun or becoming a professional airline pilot?

If a personalized, self-paced program works best for you, Part 61 schools can be more than adequate for your needs.

However, if you want to enter a career in aviation, Part 141 can provide a full-time, structured environment that is more helpful for your needs.

Regardless of which option you consider, keep the following in mind:

• What’s the Flight School’s Reputation? – Reading honest reviews of the school online, talking to former students about their experiences, and visiting the school in person can give you a better idea of the school’s reputation
• How Good Are the Instructors? – Learn more about potential instructors’ track records, credentials, and experience
• What Aircraft Do They Have? – Find out what type of aircraft the school has, the age of the aircraft, and the condition
• Where is the School’s Location? – Schools in areas with good weather all year can be a bonus for flight students
• How Are Overall Costs Figured? – When comparing different school costs, you’ll want to learn whether the school offers training as a package, as well as any hidden fees

One option worth considering, regardless of which path you take, is attending an online ground school. These choices will impact the quality of your training.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Knowing the difference between Parts 61 and 141 is an integral part of your flight training. You’ll want to keep these issues in mind before making a choice that could impact your career.