As you begin: Part 61 vs Part 141, PRIA & Checkrides

A word about Flight Training:

Part 61 or Part 141?

Private Pilot Certification may be completed under either a Part 61 or a Part 141.

Questions often are asked regarding pilot training, and the Federal Aviation Regulations that define it, whether a student pilot should train under Part 61 or Part 141 and how performance in evaluations can impact any future career plans. This briefing is not intended to be a complete discussion but rather to familiarize future students with these aspects of aviation training.

Part 61 and Part 141 are two different sets of Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) governing flight training in the United States. Part 61 is less structured and more flexible, allowing for personalized training, while Part 141 is more structured with an FAA-approved curriculum and typically requires fewer flight hours for certain certificates.

Part 61:

• Flexibility: Part 61 offers more flexibility in scheduling and allows for personalized training based on individual needs.
• Structure: It’s less structured than Part 141, with less emphasis on a standardized curriculum.
• Hours: Generally, requires more flight hours to achieve the same certifications compared to Part 141.
• Cost: The cost can vary greatly depending on the flight school and instructor, but it can potentially be more affordable if training is done at a slower pace.
• Often used by students who work full-time and need to balance their time with their flight training.
• Usually, Part 61 is used when a pilot has their own aircraft or access to a friend or family member’s aircraft.
• As Part 61 does not have any stage-checks, which can cause a delay if there is a shortage of check pilots, some pilots elect this training program.
• Not everyone likes the accelerated flight training pace, which makes Part 61 a better fit.

Part 141:

• Structure: Part 141 schools follow an FAA-approved curriculum and structured training program.
• Hours: Requires fewer minimum flight hours for certain certificates and ratings. Note: although fewer minimum hours are required, most pilots take more hours before ready for their check-ride.
• Formalization: Part 141 training is more formalized, with stage checks (performed by a different instructor) and standardized instruction.
• Cost: Can be more expensive due to the structured program and resources required.
• Career Goals: Often preferred by those pursuing a career in aviation.
• Certain loan programs require training under Part 141.

Choosing between Part 61 and Part 141:

• Part 61: Ideal for those seeking a more flexible, personalized training experience, perhaps for recreational flying or those with a less rigid[1]  schedule.
• Part 141: Best for those seeking a structured, accelerated path, especially those aiming for a professional pilot career.

Part 61 or Part 141 and the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) Certificate:

To be eligible for possible reductions in age and hour requirements with a Restricted ATP (R-ATP) program, Flight training beyond the Private Pilot Certification (such as instrument rating and others) must be done within the structure of an organizations certificate Part 141 program. Note: not every Part 141 school is approved for the R-ATP!  Please review http://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/atp/media/Institutional_Authority_List.pdf

A Restricted ATP (R-ATP) allows eligible pilots to begin their airline career with reduced flight hour requirements, typically 1,000 or 1,250 hours total flight time experience instead of the standard 1,500 hours for an unrestricted ATP, but with limitations on serving as Pilot-in-Command. To qualify for an R-ATP, candidates must meet specific age and flight hour criteria, often coupled with a degree from an FAA-approved program.

Key Requirements for R-ATP:

• Age: Pilots must be at least 21 years old to qualify for an R-ATP versus 23 for a unrestricted ATP.
• Education: Holding a bachelor’s or associate degree from an FAA-approved institution with an aviation major can lower the required flight hours. Completing an approved program with a bachelor’s degree can reduce the requirement to 1,000 hours, while an associate’s degree may reduce it to 1,250 hours.
• Military Experience: Military pilots may qualify for further reductions in flight hour requirements for an R-ATP, often requiring as little as 750 hours.
• ATP CTP: Completing an Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP CTP) is a prerequisite for both R-ATP and unrestricted ATP.
• Knowledge and Practical Tests: Aspiring R-ATP pilots must also pass the ATP knowledge and practical exams.
• Specific FAA-Approved Programs: Some universities have FAA-approved programs that specifically enable students to qualify for R-ATP with reduced flight hours.

Key Differences from Unrestricted ATP:

• Flight Hour Requirements: The primary difference is the reduced flight hour requirements for R-ATP, allowing pilots to start their careers earlier.
• Command Authority: R-ATP holders may have restrictions on serving as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) until they meet the full 1,500-hour requirement for an unrestricted ATP.
• Few major airlines hire pilots with a R-ATP. Some regional airlines do hire pilots with a R-ATP.

Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application, Pilot Records Improvement Act, Pilot Records Database and Performance in Checkrides and Evaluations

Questions also arise pertaining to checkride performance, evaluations, what records are kept and how they can impact an aviation career. When a pilot first begins flight training they are entered into the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA.) The FARs require a Pilot Records Database (PRD) as mandated in the Pilot Records Improvement Act (PRIA) which allows “Air Carriers and Operators for Compensation or Hire” to review a pilot applicant’s safety information including training, experience and qualifications. Anyone can have a challenging day or circumstances that yield a checkride or evaluation that is below performance requirements. It happens and it isn’t the end of your aviation journey. As a student begins the journey of flight training, it is important they are aware performance is reported at certain points along the certification path. Those events should be treated with great respect and adequate preparation. Much like an academic grade point average, your past performance in evaluations is a consideration by employers and a history of challenges can be limiting in certain aviation career employment.

If a pilot has an unsatisfactory checkride, it will show up on their PRD. All companies are required to perform a background check and the failure will show up. Therefore, disclose any and all failures.

Finally, a word on funding flight training.

Flight training can be an expensive and multi-year endeavor. Achieving a Private Pilot Certificate alone can take 6 months and more than $10,000. Finding ways to make that dream come true can include scholarships from The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation, Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and many other aviation organizations. There is an excellent list of scholarships and resources available on the Air Line Pilot Association, Intl. (ALPA) Education Committee page simply named  www.clearedtodream.org. Recent legislation also allows pilots to use savings programs like 529 plans which are tax-advantaged savings plans designed to help individuals save for education expenses.