Plain English Meaning
A specific FAA rule that sets the standards for certified training centers — the kind of schools that use approved courses and simulators to train pilots, especially for higher-level certificates and aircraft type ratings.
Full Definition
A section of the Federal Aviation Regulations that governs the certification and operation of FAA-approved training centers. These centers use structured, often simulator-based curricula approved by the FAA to train pilots and other crewmembers, typically for advanced ratings, type ratings, and recurrent training.
Context Anchor
You may see this term when comparing sources of flight training, especially schools or centers that offer structured FAA-approved courses or simulator-based training.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations, the official collection of U.S. government rules. Title 14 covers aeronautics and space, and within it each Part covers a specific topic. Part 142 is the part dealing with training centers.
Why Pilots Care
Training at a Part 142 center provides standardized curricula, approved simulators, and records that are recognized by the FAA and often accepted by airlines.
Intuition Check
Do not read “part” here as a physical piece of something. In FAA rules, a “part” is a numbered section of the regulations.
Example Sentence 1
After being hired by the airline, she completed her type rating at a 14 CFR part 142 training center using full-motion simulators.
Example Sentence 2
Part 142 centers must maintain FAA-approved course outlines and qualified instructors for all training they provide.