Choosing a Flight School
Most airports have facilities for flight training conducted by flight schools
or individual flight instructors. A school will usually provide a wide variety
of training material, special facilities, and greater flexibility in scheduling.
Many colleges and universities also provide flight training as a part of their
curricula.
There are two types of flight schools catering to primary general aviation needs.
One is normally referred to as a certificated “part 141 school” and
the other as a “part 61 school.” A part 141 school has been granted
an Air
Agency Certificate by the FAA. The certificated schools may qualify for a ground
school rating and a flight school rating. In addition, the school may be authorized
to give their graduates practical (flight) tests and knowledge
(computer administered written) tests. AC 140-2HH, FAA Certificated Pilot Schools
Directory, lists certificated ground and flight schools and the pilot training
courses each school offers. For ordering information, refer to the How to Obtain
Study Materials section on page 6 of this guide. Another convenient method is
through the Internet at the FAA’s Regulatory and Guidance Library web site.
http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/
Enrollment in a certificated school usually ensures quality and continuity of
training. These schools meet prescribed standards with respect to equipment,
facilities, personnel, and curricula. Many excellent flight schools find it
impractical to qualify for the FAA part 141 certificate and are referred to
as part 61 schools. One difference between a part 141 school and a part 61 school
is that fewer flight hours are required to qualify for a pilot certificate in
a part 141 certificated school. The requirement for a private pilot certificate
is 40 hours in a part 61 school and 35 hours in a
part 141 certificated school. This difference may be insignificant for a private
pilot certificate because the national average indicates most pilots require
60 to 75 hours of flight training.
The FSDO will provide information on the location of pilot training facilities
in your area. A current file is maintained on all schools within each FSDO’s
district. You make the decision on where to obtain flight training. You may
want to make a checklist of things to look for in a school. Talking to pilots
and reading articles in flight magazines can help you in making your checklist
and in the evaluation of a training facility.
Your choice of a flight school might depend on whether you are planning to obtain
a sport pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, private pilot certificate,
or whether you intend to pursue a career as a professional pilot.
Another consideration is whether you will train part time or full time. Do not
make the mistake of making your determination based on financial concerns alone.
The quality of training you receive is very important. Prior to making a final
decision, visit the school you are considering, and talk with management, instructors,
and students. Evaluate the items on the checklist you developed, and then take
time to think things over before making your decision.
Ground and flight training should be obtained as regularly and frequently as
possible. This assures maximum retention of instruction and the achievement
of requisite proficiency. |
