Part 61 & Part 141


There are two types of flight training schools. One is normally referred to as a certificated "Part 141 school" and the other as a "Part 61 school. The word "Part" refers to a part of the Federal Aviation Regulations.

Brazos Valley Flight Services is certified to train under both sets of regulations.

Part 61 is a set of regulations governing flight training. Basically, it spells out what you need to know, what flying skills you must develop, and a minimum number of training and solo flight hours. Any certified flight instructor can teach under Part 61, doing what he or she feels is appropriate in your training as long as the training minimums are met. Most schools operate under Part 61 and do not meet the requirements of Part 141.

Part 141 was established to actually certify "flight schools" - to develop and establish standardized training methods and standards. To quote the FAA, "Enrollment in a certificated school [a Part 141 school] usually ensures higher quality and continuity of training." These schools meet prescribed standards with respect to equipment, facilities, personnel, and curricula and are reviewed on a regular basis by the FAA to ensure quality training.

The predominant differences between the two are structure and accountability. Part 141 schools are periodically audited by the FAA and must have detailed, FAA-approved course outlines and meet student pilot performance rates. Part 61 schools don't have the same paperwork and accountability requirements.

One of the many advantages training under Part 141 is that fewer flight hours are required to qualify for a pilot certificate. For instance, under Part 61, a private pilot certificate requires a minimum of 40 flight hours of training whereas Part 141 requires a minimum of 35 hours. This is also true for your additional ratings such as the instrument rating.  Part 61 requires a minimum 40 hours of training and 50 hours of cross country time.  Part 141 requires only 35 hours and the cross country requirement is waived. This can save you over $6000 in training costs! in fact, following BVFS's Part 141 program from beginning to end allows a student to obtain a commercial pilot certificate in as few as 190 flight hours as compared to part 61 that requires 250 hours.