Choosing the Right Flight School

CockpitFor many people, the dream of becoming a pilot is a real driving force in their life.  But most of these same people don’t know how to take the first step to get the ball rolling and become enrolled at a flight school that will help them become successful in the aviation industry.  There are quite a few important considerations that need to be explored in order to get the most from your education.  Flight school is a very expensive undertaking so it’s very important to gain as much knowledge about them as possible to enable you to make an informed decision.

There are basically two different types of flight schools in the US.  They both operate under FAA regulations but are structured quite differently.  Knowing the differences between the two can mean the difference between success and failure at these schools.  Schools operating under FAA Part 141 are structured like a college or university.  They have specific class start and end dates and follow strict grading guidelines.  For many, the classroom teaching environment is a disadvantage, but the real strength of Part 141 schools lies in their ability to help students obtain financial assistance. 

For a flight school to become a Part 141 school they need to have a defined, FAA-approved curriculum and schedule.  This allows them to accept federal funding from subsidized loans and other programs like the G.I. Bill.  Part 141 schools are great for people who have separated from the military and are looking to use their government tuition assistance.  But for many, the structured, unyielding schedule demanded by Part 141 schools does not give them the best opportunity for learning.

The other type of flight school is a Part 61 flight school.  These school offer the same ratings and licenses that Part 141 schools do, however they are allowed to schedule flight lessons as the student sees fit.  There are no start or end dates and most of the instruction takes place in a one on one atmosphere with a flight instructor.  This allows for students who accelerate to move ahead and save time and money, while those who need more personalized educational assistance can benefit from the one student to one instructor structure.  Funding for these schools is slightly harder to come by for most, as many lending agencies do not consider Part 61 flights school eligible for financial aid.  A student can get more out of a Part 61 flight school education because they are paired with a personal instructor, and are not limited by their peers in a classroom setting.

The number of hours required to obtain FAA licenses at Part 141 schools is different than the number required at a Part 61 school.  Generally, the Part 141 school students can obtain their licenses and ratings in fewer hours, under a more structured, more disciplined environment.  Part 61 flight schools require more hours from their students in order to apply for and obtain the same FAA licenses and ratings. 

All in all it is a trade off between structured and self-guided schooling.  Financial assistance options also vary greatly between the two types of schools.  It is up to the student to decide exactly which type of structure and therefore which type of flight school is best for them.  It’s a very important decision and many factors need to be examined before a decision can be reached.  Asking questions to better understand the underlying structure and requirements is a great way to become more informed.