Which Flight School is Right For You?
March 30, 2009 by Patch Adams
Filed under Travel
If you’re looking for a flight school, you’ll run across two different types. Some people will talk to you about a part 141 school and others will mention a part 61 school. These two schools both reference a different section of the Federal Aviation Regulations / Aeronautical Information Manual or FAR/AIM.
Part 61 schools seem to be the most common and are the route most recreational pilots take to get their license. You’ll still have to prove your proficiency during the written and practical exam and your instructor will still teach you everything you need to know. The difference lies in part 61 of the FAR/AIM or Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual.
If you open up the FAR/AIM to part 61 you’ll find it doesn’t say that much about how the flight schools need to operate. What it does cover is what you, as the student, will need to know to successfully pass your practical exam or checkride. This section of the FAR/AIM is designed to give flight schools more flexibility in how they teach, but it doesn’t loosen the skills requirements.
Under part 141 if the FAR/AIM, you’ll find some very clear direction given to flight schools about how they must operate. You’ll still have to meet all of the same performance standards, but you’ll have a course directed by the FAA in very specific ways.
So, what’s all this mean to you? The FAA believes, with the strict controls they put on a 141 school, you’ll learn faster and be fully trained in less time. At a 141 school you only need to put in 35 hours of flight time while at a 161 school you’ll need a minimum of 40 hours. That could save you a bit of money, but probably won’t since most students take just over 50 hours regardless of what type of school they attend.
When you really get down to it, there are a lot of things you’re going to want to look at before deciding on a aviation school. It’s not just about money or time needed before taking your checkride. Whether you go with a 141 or 61 school, find an instructor you get along with. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with them, both in the air and on the ground.
Remember, ultimately it’s about you and what you put into this. If you aren’t very motivated and put in a lackluster effort, you’re going to end up with a mediocre set of skills, even if you go to the best school in the country. Put in the effort and stay motivated. That’s the best way to make sure you get the finest flight training possible.
