Part 61 and 141: One better for airline employment?

Ace0607

Well-Known Member
It's been quite a long time since I've posted here. Before I start, I want to say that I do know the difference between Part 61 and Part 141 training and how Part 141 is FAA-approved as far as their syllabus goes.

About a year ago, I was checking flight schools on Long Island both of which are Part 141s and they both claim that Part 141s are better in terms of employment. Of course I reckon they are biased so I came here for an unbiased opinion (or less biased). If two pilots have the same amount of hours and hold a bachelor's degree, but one is Part 61 trained and the other is 141 trained... would the 141 trained pilot have the employment advantage over the Part 61?

Thanks in advance!

PS A bit off-topic, but could anyone recommend flight schools in Colorado Springs? Or is bringing up flight schools not allowed on the forums?
 
I personally believe Part 61 gives you a better experience since required flight time is higher. However, a part 141 school being more structured can make sure you get accurate information in its entirety. It really depends, some Part 61 schools can be better than some Part 141 schools, and some Part 141 schools can be better than some Part 61 schools.
 
You need an ATP to fly the airlines.

Looks like the FOQ final rule for a restricted ATP is:

4 year aviation degree is 1000 hours, age 21
2 year aviation degree is 1250 hours. age 21
Military Background is 750 hours. age 21
otherwise its 1500 hours. age 23
 
Could be wrong but it appears OP is looking at 141 not connected with a degree program, so 1500 rule still applies.

1310 hours or 1250 hours after you're done with your flight training, depending on which route you go, I doubt anyone is going to care one way or the other how you got those first few hours (141 or 61). Though your wallet may care.

Do what works best for you and fits your calendar and budget don't fall for the sales pitch.
 
Whichever one will be more likely to hire you as a CFI when you're done. In conjunction with that, whichever one will let you get the most night, IMC, and cross country while working as an instructor. You don't want to be That Guy in the interview with 1500 total and only 50 night. Well, actually, you wouldn't make it to the interview with the new hiring mins.
 
Unless you're using some form of VA funding, there's only one real advantage to 141: you can start your instrument rating sooner. The data are clear: instrument pilots are safer pilots.
 
Unless you're using some form of VA funding, there's only one real advantage to 141: you can start your instrument rating sooner. The data are clear: instrument pilots are safer pilots.

???

You can start instrument training part 61 whenever you want, there are just more experience requirements to take the checkride. I have a few hours of actual by the time I did my PPL checkride.

The VAST MAJORITY of the flying you do as a CFI/rag dragger/meat missile bomber/whatever job you get with a C-ASEL is going to be visual flying.

Anyway, I like part 61 as an instructor, because I can tailor lessons to the needs of the student. If there is an area that needs work, we do that. 141 strikes me as "teaching to the test," and a lot of the knowledge I like to think that I impart on students are things they won't be asked on a check ride.
 
I did mine 61 and have no regrets even tough I have an aviation degree and would qualify for a restricted ATP if I had went 141.
 
Which ever one has you wear eppaulets during training is the better one IMO...

double_facepalm.png
 
I like 61. I hate structure. A better way to say it is I like flexibility. Some people love structure cause they want to know exactly what is going to happen today and tomorrow and next Saturday. As a part 61 CFI, I can create that structure for those who need it. For those who like a more relaxed and flexible environment, I can do that as well. I'm not a fan of the additional bureaucracy and burdens put on me by the FAA if I were a part 141 CFI. Now, I can see how a big university program would want 141, cause they are already going to have the bureaucracy anyway, but smaller schools touting 141 as better cause they are "approved by the FAA" I've always kind of laughed at. A 61 CFI is "approved by the FAA", as well.
 
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