Selection of a flight school is an important consideration in the flight training process. FAA-approved flight schools, noncertificated flying schools, and independent flight instructors conduct flight training in the United States. All flight training is conducted under the auspices of the FAA, following the regulations outlined in either 14 CFR part 141 or part 61. 14 CFR part 141 flight schools are certificated by the FAA. Application for certification is voluntary, and the school must meet stringent requirements for personnel, equipment, maintenance, and facilities, and must teach an established curriculum that includes a training course outline (TCO) approved by the FAA. Certificated schools may qualify for a ground-school rating and a flight-school rating; in addition, the school may be authorized to give its graduates practical (flight) tests and knowledge (computer-administered written) tests.

Enrollment in a 14 CFR part 141 flight school ensures quality and continuity and offers a structured approach to flight training, because these facilities must document the training curriculum and have their flight courses approved by the FAA. These strictures allow part 141 schools to complete certificates and ratings in fewer flight hours, which can mean a savings on the cost of flight training. For example, the minimum requirement for a Private Pilot Certificate is 35 hours in a part 141-certificated school and 40 hours in part 61 schools. (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.)

Many excellent flight schools find it impractical to qualify for the FAA part 141 certificate and are referred to as part 61 schools. 14 CFR part 61 outlines certificate and rating requirements for pilot certification through noncertificated schools and individual flight instructors. It also states what knowledge-based training must be covered and how much flight experience is required for each certificate and rating.

One advantage of flight training under part 61 is its flexibility: lessons can be tailored to the individual student, because part 61 dictates the required minimum flight experience and knowledge-based training but does not stipulate how the training is to be organized. This flexibility can also be a disadvantage, because a flight instructor who fails to organize the training can cost a student pilot time and expense through repetitious training. One way for a student to avoid this is to ensure the flight instructor has a well-documented training syllabus.

1.6.1 How To Find a Reputable Flight Program #

To obtain information about pilot training, contact the local FSDO, which maintains a current file on all schools within its district. The choice of a flight school depends on what type of certificate is sought — whether one wishes to fly as a sport pilot or to pursue a career as a professional pilot. Another consideration is the amount of time that can be devoted to training. Ground and flight training should be obtained as regularly and frequently as possible, because this ensures maximum retention of instruction and the achievement of the requisite proficiency.

Do not make the determination based on financial concerns alone, because the quality of training is very important. Prior to making a final decision, visit the schools under consideration and talk with management, instructors, and students. Be inquisitive and proactive: do some homework and develop a checklist of questions by talking to pilots and reading articles in flight magazines. The checklist should include questions about aircraft reliability and maintenance practices, and questions for current students such as whether there is a safe, clean aircraft available when they are scheduled to fly.

Questions for the training facility should aim at determining whether the instruction fits available personal time. What are the school’s operating hours? Does the facility have dedicated classrooms for the ground training required by the FAA? Is there an area for preflight briefings, postflight debriefings, and critiques? Are these rooms private, to provide a nonthreatening environment in which the instructor can explain the content and outcome of the flight without making the student feel self-conscious?

Examine the facility before committing to any flight training. Evaluate the answers on the checklist, then take time to think things over before deciding. This proactive approach will ensure a student pilot contracts with the flight school or instructor best suited to individual needs.

1.6.2 How To Choose a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) #

Whether an individual chooses to train under 14 CFR part 141 or part 61, the key to an effective flight program is the quality of the ground and flight training received from the CFI. The flight instructor assumes total responsibility for training an individual to meet the standards required for certification within an ever-changing operating environment.

A CFI should possess an understanding of the learning process, knowledge of the fundamentals of teaching, and the ability to communicate effectively with the student pilot. During the certification process, a flight instructor applicant is tested on the practical application of these skills in specific teaching situations. The flight instructor is crucial to the scenario-based training program endorsed by the FAA; he or she is trained to function in the learning environment as an advisor and guide for the learner. The duties, responsibilities, and authority of the CFI include the following:

• Orient the student to the scenario-based training system.
• Help the student become a confident planner and in-flight manager of each flight and a critical evaluator of his or her own performance.
• Help the student understand the knowledge requirements present in real-world applications.
• Diagnose learning difficulties and help the student overcome them.
• Evaluate student progress and maintain appropriate records.
• Provide continuous review of student learning.

Should a student pilot find that the selected CFI is not training in a manner conducive to learning, or that the student and CFI do not have compatible schedules, the student should find another CFI. Choosing the right CFI is important, because the quality of instruction and the knowledge and skills acquired from this flight instructor affect a student pilot’s entire flying career.