Which Type of Flight School is Best?

When researching flight training, everyone will come across the decision to go to a FAA part 141 or part 61 flight school. I am often asked which is better. The truth is, neither. Both schools have their advantages and disadvantages, however, both will lead you to your goal of being an FAA certified pilot.

Part 141 Schools

Part 141 Schools, such as Delta Connections Academy, Embry Riddle, etc, are known for training lots of professional pilots each year.

The advantages to a 141 school are the following:

• Structured Environment
• Typically newer flight training aircraft
• FAA approved simulators
• Lower flight time requirements
• Will often have financing options available
• Often have flight instructor job opportunities once qualified
• Career counseling

Some of the disadvantages of a 141 school are:

• More expensive per hour
• Less flexible scheduling

With a Part 61 Flight School you will have the following advantages:

• Flexible Scheduling
• Pay as you Go
• Less expensive aircraft options (depending on the flight school)
• Less expensive per hour

Part 61 Flight Schools

A Part 61 flight schools is going to be a local flight school at the local, smaller airports. They tend to be more relaxed and a little less structured, and are often more appealing to the person who is currently working and needs a schedule that can work for them.

A Part 61 Flight School has the following disadvantages:

• May be harder to get financing
• More flight time requirements
• May not offer ground school classes, meaning you have to pay the hourly rate to do ground lessons with your instructor
• Less structured curriculum- depending on the school and the instructor

So, how do you choose? It depends on many factors. Are you planning on becoming a professional pilot, or do you just want your private pilots license? How many days per week are you going to commit to flying and studying? Do you need financing? Would you be willing to move, temporarily, to go to flight school?

If you just want to get your pilots license for fun and learn on your own time, then a Part 61 Flight School is probably best. You can schedule your flights around work, and fly when it’s convenient for you. The issue I have come across with students, is that if they are not flying 3 times per week, they will not retain all the information between lessons. If you fly only once per week or less, then much of your next lesson will be spent reviewing the previous lesson. When flying multiple times per week, the student retains the information and muscle memory needed to progress quickly. The more often you fly, the more money you will save as well.

If you are planning on becoming a professional pilot, a structured environment with a school-like environment may be the best choice. You can typically go from no flight time to Commercial Pilot in months if you are serious. You could do this at a Part 61 school as well, it will just take more dedication from you (but you could end up saving money!).

Your best bet is to talk to students and instructors at both types of schools. Take a tour, check out the rates and the airplanes. The more questions you ask, the better. Also, feel free to ask me any specific questions you may have. Happy flying!

No related posts.