If you’re looking for a flight school, you’ll run across two different types. Some people will talk to you about a part 141 school and others will mention a part 61 school. These two schools both reference a different section of the Federal Aviation Regulations / Aeronautical Information Manual or FAR/AIM.

Odds are, if you’re looking at flying as a hobby or even to eventually assist you in your business, you’ll end up attending a part 61 flight school. These schools are geared mroe toward the casual or recrational pilot and are governed by section 61 of the federal aviation regulations.

At this type of school, they’re a little more flexible about how you learn the skills you need to have to pass your checkride or practical examination. Part 61 is devoted to what you need to know and be able to perform as a pilot, rather than how these items need to be taught to you. There is no reduction in the standards you have to meet, how a flexibility in how you learn.

If you’re looking for something much more structured and regulated, you’ll want to take a look at a part 141 school. Under this part of the FAR/AIM the FAA lays out very clear and concise instructions as to how a student learns what’s required of them. The knowledge requirements are still the same, they just tell you how to get there rather than leaving it up to the school alone.

There is one very clear benefit to attending a part 141 school and that’s the amount of time you need to put in before you can take your practical exam. Because it’s more closely controlled by the FAA, you only need to complete 35 hours of flight time rather than the 40 hours required at a part 61 school. But, don’t get too excited, if you’re like most student pilots you’re going to be putting in more than 50 hours of training before you’re ready. So it may not matter.

When you really get down to it, there are a lot of things you’re going to want to look at before deciding on a aviation school. It’s not just about money or time needed before taking your checkride. Whether you go with a 141 or 61 school, find an instructor you get along with. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with them, both in the air and on the ground.

Personally, I believe one of the most important factors in your success or failure is your desire to fly. Great schools have put out bad pilots and bad schools have put out great pilots. You’ll get out what you put in