Definition
Flight training operations conducted under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 61, which governs the certification of pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors. Schools operating under Part 61 train students according to the certification requirements set out in that part, but are not required to follow an FAA-approved structured training course or syllabus.
Plain English
A flight school that trains pilots under the FAA's Part 61 rules. These rules say what a student must learn and demonstrate to earn a certificate, but the school has flexibility in how it delivers the training.
Context Anchor
You will see this term when comparing where and how to start flight training, especially when choosing between a part 61 school and a part 141 pilot school.
Derivation
14 CFR' refers to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the section of U.S. federal law dealing with aviation. 'Part 61' is the specific chapter within that title covering pilot certification. Knowing the regulation is named after where it sits in the federal rulebook helps explain why pilots refer to schools by their CFR part number.
Why Pilots Care
The choice affects how flexibly a student can schedule training while still meeting all certification requirements for pilot certificates.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “part 61 flying school” means the school itself is FAA-approved in the same way as a part 141 pilot school. It means the training is being conducted under the FAA’s part 61 pilot-certification rules.
Example Sentence 1
She chose a 14 CFR part 61 flying school because its flexible scheduling fit around her full-time job.
Example Sentence 2
Instructors at 14 CFR part 61 flying schools must still ensure every student meets the exact standards required for the practical test.