61 vs 141

[meyers9163]

So I just found out my summer classes I had planned on taking I cannot due to a scholarship being changed. So now that I will be at college an entire year for my Senior year I was wondering what would you do if you could do it over again 141 or 61 and why? I want to make a career out of this and I am kind of excited now to be in Indiana for a another year plus due to I can get all the ratings just done at a local FBO instead of having to go to a flight school to do it fast. Any ways I have a lot of time and if needed I can get a small loan to pay for some ratings. Any ways so there is it.... if you can do it 61 or 141? Why and why not? Which route would be better and cheaper? Or is there a better/cheaper route?

 

[Joshrk22]

141 Schools have a set structure that they are required to follow, so these schools are approved by the FAA. 61 schools do not have this requirement. You can get your license and ratings earlier at a 141 school(35 hrs for private) than a 61 school(40), but this really doesnt matter because that national average for your private is significantly higher anyways. It's more a matter of preference, how much time and effort you are going to put in really. I'm guessing 141 schools have better equipment, but this is probably not always the case. Let's not get into the convo about which school puts out better pilots, because many of the pilots on here will tell you they have seen good and bad pilots out of both. Maybe someone else could fill ya in more than what I can.

 

[UndauntedFlyer]

NO part 141 program can compete with a good controlled Part 61 custom designed
curriculum. The part 61 program will always provide more potential for learning. A part 61 program is as good as you and your instructor/mentor want it to be.


Here is an example of what is possible under Part 61.

The following is a basic plan of action for training:

1. Private
2. Then VFR Multi
3. Then multi FTD for 50 hours of instrument
4. Then single engine PIC XC combined with,
5. 50 hours of multi engine instrument training.
6. Then try to find someplace to get about 25 - 30 hours of tailwheel and acrobatic training. If not available locally, travel and stay a week to get it. Best airplane for this is the a Super Decathlon
7. Get more multi engine training for the instrument rating and IRA check ride.
8. Take your test for initial Commercial in the twin
9. Then get a single engine add-on
10. Then finish up the CFI ratings, Single, Multi, and CFI I.

 

[Joshrk22]

NO part 141 program can compete with a good controlled Part 61 custom designed
curriculum.

What are you saying? No matter what better pilots come out of a 141 school then a 61 school? That's not true. There are bad pilots and good pilots, doesn't matter where you go. Don't fall for the *CESSNA 182 with G1000 panel!* ads, go somewhere that's friendly, has decent equipment, and will work best with your schedule.

 

[UndauntedFlyer]

In case that was misunderstood here is a revision to that post.

NO part 141 program can compete with a good controlled Part 61 custom designed
curriculum. The part 61 program will always provide more potential for learning. A part 61 program is as good as you and your instructor/mentor want it to be.

 

[Joshrk22]

:beer:

 

[meyers9163]

What about this

I was thinking my PPL is going to end up taking me 50 hours roughtly at a part 61 school. Of that 10 xc time would that count towards my requirement needed for the IR rating?

Any ways then after that I was thinking I'd get a multi endorsment at a local FBO they offer like 10 hours of one for about 2300 with check ride? Would those 10 hours count towards the 50 needed as well for the IR or no? I was thinking if it did then I'd have 20 hours taken care of.

Then after the multi endorsement go for an IR rating which you need 50 xc time PIC before you can start an instrument course or by the time you have completed the course and are going for the check ride you need that total of 50 xc time?

Any ways that's what i'm looking at right now and i'll get SE, ME, and then IR done and then build time for the comm rating? Any other ratings before the comm? I'm trying to pay as I go therefore no DEBT or student loans if possible. Any ways thanks for the replies keep them coming!

 

[RockbrigadePC1]

Multi comm then the single add-on.

Because that way you save money on not needing to rent a single complex.

 

[UndauntedFlyer]

First off, there are only 5 Hrs of solo/pic X-C for the private certificate. But whatever there may be, it all counts towards the IRA.

Second, the multi is not an endorsement and that time counts toward the 250 hour commercial.

Third, you’ll have no problem getting the 50 hours of PIC X-C for the IRA.

Forth, just follow the plan of action I posted.
There are variations possible, but please don’t listen to others from the outside who do not know what they’re talking about. Get a CFI mentor who can help you.

Fifth, as far as money goes, this can not be done on the cheap or as a pay as you go. That simply will not work here because you’ll be at this your whole life dreaming the dream instead of ever having a chance to live the dream. You are just going to have to borrow the money some way if you don’t have it. The cheapest way is to borrow the money now so you can work as a CFI in school. That is cheapest in the long run. Otherwise you’ll pay as you go and flip burgers to get each hour. And you can't log burger flipping!

 

[meyers9163]

Any thought on the cost for the above steps 2-10? Right now i'm looking at 5k for my PPL so I'd like to pay out of pocket for the Multi VFR as well and even the 50 hours of the instrument. After that it would appear to be the bulk of the courses you have laid out? Any suggestions on what I should estimate for cost?