McAir offers different modes of flight training to help our students achieve a broad range of general and commercial aviation goals. We offer affordable and convenient training to suit the many different needs of our students.

There are two types of flight training options. One is commonly called an FAA-certificated Part 141 flight school, and the other a Part 61 Flight Certification. The word “part” refers to a part, or chapter, of the Federal Aviation Regulations.

McAir Aviation is certified to train under both sets of regulations.

Part 61 is an older set of regulations governing flight certifications. It spells out what you need to know, what flying skills you must develop, and a minimum number of training and solo flight hours. Any certified flight instructor can teach under Part 61, doing what he or she feels is appropriate in your training as long as the FAA training minimums are met. Many training providers operate under Part 61 and do not meet the requirements of Part 141.

Part 141 was established to certify flight schools – to develop and establish standardized training methods and requirements. To quote the FAA**, “enrollment in a certificated school [a part 141 school] usually ensures higher quality and continuity of training.” These schools meet prescribed standards with respect to equipment, facilities, personnel and curricula and are reviewed on a regular basis by the FAA to ensure quality training that meets FAA standards.

One of the many advantages to flying at McAir Aviation (a certificated Part 141 school), over a Part 61 training provider or individual instructor, is that fewer flight hours are required to qualify for a pilot certificate. The requirement for a private pilot certificate is 40 hours under part 61 training or 35 hours in a part 141 certificated school.

This is also true for your additional ratings and certificates. For instance, if you are training at McAir, you do not need to log the additional 50 hours of cross-country time needed for the Instrument Rating under part 61. This can save you both time and money.