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Everyone learns differently. Do you crave structure, documentation, a textbook you can cling to and use to make copious notes? Or did you embrace it when your high school
English teacher took the class outside on a gorgeous spring day to read in the sun? Are you planning to become a pilot so you can one day be called \"Captain,\" or are you simply
planning to fly for an occasional $100 hamburger and punch holes in the sky?

The answers to these questions can help you choose the right way for you to learn to fly. Part 61 and Part 141 of the Federal Aviation Regulations offer two different ways to
learn. You will hear flight schools describe themselves as operating under Part 61 or Part 141. The terms Part 61 and Part 141 refer to the regulations under which training is
conducted. Both give parameters for students earning pilot certificates.

The quality is equal in either case; the difference is in the style of instruction. Part 61 regulations do not require a set flight or ground training schedule, a dedicated
classroom, or supervising staff. Under Part 141, the flight school is required to follow more structured paperwork, provide a classroom facility, and adhere to curriculum
requirements. The regulations require 40 hours of instruction under Part 61 for a private pilot certificate, and 35 under Part 141. A Part 141 flight school will have a TCO (training course outline); under Part 61, you and your instructor can construct your training in a way that best fits your schedule. Part 141 training is directly supervised by the FAA; there is less direct oversight by the FAA under Part 61.

"As a student pilot, you need to determine why you are getting your certificate in the first place," said Craig Brown, AOPA aviation technical specialist. "If your goal is to become a commercial pilot in an economically feasible manner, Part 141 training is a good idea." One of the benefits of Part 141 training is that commercial certificates can be obtained with appreciably fewer hours than under Part 61. The private certificate can be obtained in 35 hours, the instrument rating in 35, and you can qualify for the commercial certificate 120 hours later — that's 190 total hours compared to 250 under Part 61. "It's a fast track to your commercial certificate," said Brown. "But both tracks are equally good ways to go. If your goal is to fly for pleasure and occasional business, a less academic and structured environment might be better suited to your time schedule. A career-minded student should consider a full-time program. Many schools offer both Part 141 and 61 options. Choose what's right for you — and what you want to get out of flying."