Definition
An FAA-certificated pilot training organization that operates under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 142, providing structured, often simulator-based training programs for pilots, particularly for type ratings, recurrent training, and advanced qualification courses. Part 142 centers must use FAA-approved courseware, qualified instructors and evaluators, and approved flight simulation training devices.
Plain English
A specialized flight school approved by the FAA to run formal pilot training programs, usually built around full-motion simulators. These centers are the standard place where airline and corporate pilots go for type-rating courses and yearly refresher training.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of professional pilot training, airline or corporate training programs, and simulator-based training.
Derivation
The name comes directly from the regulation that authorizes it -- Part 142 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. "Part" simply refers to a numbered section of the regulations, so the name tells you which set of rules the school operates under.
Why Pilots Care
Provides standardized, simulator-heavy training that meets FAA requirements efficiently and supports career progression for airline and corporate pilots.
Intuition Check
“Part 142” does not mean a section inside a training manual. Here, “Part” means a specific part of the federal aviation regulations that controls this type of training center.
Example Sentence 1
After being hired by the airline, she spent six weeks at a Part 142 training center earning her type rating in the simulator.
Example Sentence 2
Airlines often send crews to a Part 142 training center for recurrent training to stay current on procedures and emergency scenarios.