Definition
Part 142 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations governs the certification and operation of FAA-approved training centers that provide pilot training, testing, and checking using flight simulation training devices. A Part 142 training center operates under an FAA-issued certificate and uses approved courses, qualified instructors, and qualified simulators to deliver training that can satisfy regulatory requirements for pilot certificates, ratings, and recurrent qualification.
Plain English
Part 142 is the section of FAA rules that lets a specialized training center use flight simulators to train, test, and check pilots in place of (or alongside) actual flight time, as long as the center, its instructors, and its simulators meet FAA standards.
Context Anchor
You will see part 142 in discussions of simulator-based training, approved training centers, and whether training time or a check can be credited toward an FAA requirement.
Derivation
Part' refers to a numbered section of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which contains FAA rules. Part 142 specifically covers training centers, distinguishing them from Part 141 (FAA-approved pilot schools) and Part 61 (general pilot training rules).
Why Pilots Care
It determines when simulator time can replace aircraft time for meeting certification and rating requirements.
Intuition Check
Do not read “part” here as a piece of an airplane. In this context, “part 142” means a specific numbered section of the FAA regulations.
Example Sentence 1
After being hired by the airline, she completed her initial type rating at a Part 142 training center using a full-motion simulator.
Example Sentence 2
An instructor must complete Part 142 qualification training before teaching in an approved flight simulation training device.