A 14 CFR 141 flight school is an FAA-approved school. The FAA has approved the school's training syllabus and its facilities. When you train under Part 61, you need only an instructor and an airplane.
Quality of training varies under both systems. Both ways work. Both ways can take more, or less, time. A Part 141 program in theory requires fewer flight hours. You can earn a Commercial-Instrument in a minimum of 190 hours. Under Part 61, you need a minimum of 250 hours. The truth of the matter is most people go over times under both systems. There's no harm or foul in that, and it doesn't reflect on your abilities. Sometimes, flights go over times. Sometimes, there are part(s) of the program that people don't pick up right away. Even if you're progressing, you may need an extra flight(s) to hone your abilities to standards.
Many of the well-known 141 programs take people from zero time to their Commercial-Multi-Instrument in six months or less. They can do it because the only thing they do is train pilots. There's no reason why you can't finish in six months under Part 61, but a lot depends on where and how you obtain the training. Many FBOs offer Part 61 training, but some are more serious about it than others. You have to factor in numbers of aircraft, maintenance, instructor availability, and organization.
bobbysamd coverd most of it, just wanted to add a little.
I went to a 141 school and now teach 61.
To me the biggest difference is that the training can be VERY flexable to your needs at a 61 school. Training under 141 most of the time is structured and each lesson is spelled out for the CFI.
Now with that said is one better than the other...... I dont think so. It all comes down to the quality of the instructor and the students desire.
Also remember that a 141 school can also do 61 if your needs better fit the 61 training enviroment.
The main difference between 61 and 141 are the requirements. Actually, I'd say 141 is quicker. It requires less hrs. However, most of the time 61 is a little cheaper. Depends on what you want to do. Some good 141 schools are Flight Safety and COMAIR, along with some others. Check them out and look into some 61 instructors and decide which one better fits you and your schedule/budget.
In terms of the quality of training it realy does not matter. The airlines like to see a more structured training backround that Part 141 gives you as well as the documentation.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.