What do you mean by Part 61 or Part 141?
There are several avenues to take with your flight training. One of the biggest you’ll make (whether knowing it or not) is which part of the FAR/AIM you’ll be operating under. Part 61 and Part 141 both accomplish the same goal (obtaining your pilot’s license) but the rules and requirements to get there vary.
My Personal Experience
I did my private and instrument at a part 61 school and received wonderful training and made great aviation friends.
For my commercial training I decided to do it through a College that operated Part 141.
Day one was a wake up call. I felt somewhat behind in my Commercial ground school class. These terms like Hypoxia, Reading PIREPS and FA’s, Understanding how a thunderstorm is formed. All things I should have been taught as a Private Pilot I was lacking.
The Verdict
Part 141 made me a book smart pilot, Part 61 made me a real-world pilot. I’m blessed to have been to both worlds, and reaped the benefits of both.
My suggestion to you is to do a in depth evaluation of your learning styles. Are you very detailed oriented and like to have everything pre planned… Go 141. If you like the freedom of a flexible custom schedule… Go 61.
Either way you get the same license, regardless take no shortcuts, learn all you can, and keep at it.
People may think I’m crazy for saying this repeatedly but it’s true: A good pilot is always learning. (Regardless of which Part they fly under)
This is just an account of my experience, have a different opinion? Leave a comment below.
