McAir offers different modes of flight training to help our students achieve their training 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 advantage of training at McAir Aviation, a certificated FAA Part 141 flight school, is that certain FAA certificates and ratings may require fewer minimum flight hours compared to training under FAA Part 61. For example, the FAA minimum flight time required to be eligible for a Private Pilot Certificate is 40 hours under Part 61 training and 35 hours at a Part 141 certificated school. Actual flight hours required vary by individual and are not guaranteed.

Similar FAA minimums apply to additional certificates and ratings. For instance, under Part 141 training, students pursuing an Instrument Rating are not subject to the additional 50 hours of cross-country flight time required under Part 61. Eligibility requirements, training outcomes, and total flight hours depend on individual progress and FAA standards.