Part 61 vs Part 141: which is better? When you compare flight schools, you will see some advertise as Part 141 and others as Part 61. But what does this mean, and how does it affect your flight training?
How to Obtain a Pilot Certificate
Before discussing different flight schools, we must examine what it takes to get a pilot certificate. To obtain a pilot certificate, a student must complete a set amount of ground and air requirements. They must then take and pass a written and practical test known as a checkride. After passing these exams, the student earns the certificate.
There are a few caveats. Still, students follow this same process for nearly every certificate or rating. The FAA issues every certificate on a pass-fail basis. In the end, all pilots pass the same tests. That is true whether they attended a university or trained with an independent Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).
If the tests and requirements are the same, why are there different types of flight schools?
Part 61 Flight Schools
The terms Part 61 and Part 141 come from Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which covers aviation. Within these regulations are hundreds of parts. Part 61 sets the minimum requirements for each certificate. Part 141 covers schools that follow an FAA-approved syllabus.
Flight schools that operate under part 61 may teach however they, please. What is essential is that the student receives sufficient knowledge to obtain their pilot certificate. These schools usually write their own syllabus. They prepare students to pass the required exams.
Axiom Aviation flight school is a Part 61 school. At Axiom Aviation, we use our own syllabus. Our goal is safe pilots with strong skills and sound judgment. By doing so, we have built a reputation of safety and success.
Part 141 Flight Schools
Part 141 schools follow FAA-approved syllabi. In other words, the FAA has reviewed and approved every lesson. Universities often run these programs. However, plenty of independent schools offer Part 141 training too.
The main perk of Part 141 is that some graduates need fewer hours before joining an airline. The standard hour requirement to obtain an Airline Transport Pilot certificate is 1500. However, if one has completed a Part 141 program, they only need 1,000 flight hours.
This can seem very appealing as most pilots only have around 300 flight hours upon completing flight school. However, it should be noted that Part 141 flight programs almost always take longer to complete than Part 61 programs.
University programs typically take 2 to 4 years to complete. Even the 2-year flight programs require a student to have already done two years of college before starting the program. Since airlines no longer require pilots to have a bachelor’s degree, many see the extra time spent in school as a waste.
Part 141 programs at independent flight schools also take longer on average to complete. While exceptions exist, most full-time students attending a Part 141 school will take around two years to complete the program. In contrast, a Part 61 school like Axiom Aviation can deliver the same credentials in about one year.
Similar to all FAA-approved things, Part 141 schools tend to be more expensive. University programs tend to make it even more costly by including an overpriced degree with the training. While airlines do not currently require a bachelor’s degree, this could always change. As a result, many pilots train at a Part 61 school. Then they earn a degree online or at a lower-cost school.
Key Differences: Part 61 vs Part 141
- Minimum flight hours for PPL: Part 141 = 35 hours | Part 61 = 40 hours
- Minimum hours for Commercial Certificate: Part 141 = 190 hours | Part 61 = 250 hours
- Structure: Part 141 has strict stage checks and FAA-approved syllabi | Part 61 is more flexible
- Financial aid: Part 141 programs may qualify for VA benefits and some financial aid programs | Part 61 generally does not
Which Type of School is Right For Me?
Do you want a degree alongside flight training? Then a university Part 141 program may appeal to you. For most people, though, Part 61 is the better choice. It tends to be faster, cheaper, and more flexible. These pilots may need 500 more hours before the airlines. Even so, they usually reach the time-building stage far sooner.
Have any questions about flight training? Call or text us at (262)297-4568. Or email us at info@flyaxiom.com
For official rules and guidance, review the pilot school rules in 14 CFR Part 141 and the FAA’s Become a Pilot resources.