## 14 CFR Part 141 Pilot Schools 

Pilot schools that are certificated under 14 CFR part 141 provide a more structured training program with a standardized FAA-approved training syllabus. This ensures that all necessary skills are taught in a specific order through approved lesson plans. Under part 141, students are also required to complete a specific number of hours of formal ground instruction either in a classroom or one on one with an FAA-certificated flight instructor. Students are also required to pass the FAA knowledge and practical tests. In order to obtain approval and maintain their part 141 certification, pilot schools must adhere to several FAA regulations. 

Because part 141 pilot schools must adhere to the approved training regiment, their students are allowed to complete the pilot certificate or rating in fewer flight training hours than required by part 61. However, most students generally exceed the reduced part 141 flight training hour requirements in order to meet the proficiency standards to pass the practical test. 

## 14 CFR Part 61 Instruction 

Pilot training conducted under 14 CFR part 61 offers a somewhat more flexible and less structured training program than that conducted under part 141. A part 61 training syllabus is not subject to FAA approval; therefore, flight instructors have the flexibility to rearrange lesson plans to suit the individual needs of their students. However, it is important to understand that flight instructors must adhere to the requirements of part 61 and train their students to the standards of part 61. 

Training under part 61 does not require the student to complete a formal ground school. Instead, students have the following three options: (1) attend a ground school course, (2) complete a home-study program, or (3) hire a certificated flight or ground instructor to teach and review any materials that they choose. Regardless of which option a student chooses to take, all students are required to pass the FAA knowledge and practical tests for the pilot certificate or rating for which they are applying. The requirements for pilot training under part 61 are less structured than those under part 141, and part 61 may require more flight training hours to obtain a pilot certificate or rating than part 141. 

Most glider training programs can be found on the SSA website at www.ssa.org. Once you choose a general location, make a checklist of things to look for in a training organization. By talking to pilots, visiting the facility, and reading articles in pilot magazines, a checklist can be made and used to evaluate your options. Your choice might depend on whether you are planning to obtain a sport or private pilot certificate or pursuing a higher pilot certificate or a flight instructor certificate toward becoming a professional glider 

pilot. The quality of training is very important and should be the first priority when choosing a course of training. Prior to making a final decision, visit the facility being considered and talk with management, instructors, and both current and former students. Evaluate all training requirements using a checklist, and then take some time to think things over before making a decision. 

After deciding where to learn to fly and making the necessary arrangements, training can begin. An important fact: ground and flight training should be obtained as regularly and frequently as possible. This assures maximum retention of instruction and the achievement of proficiency for which every pilot should strive. 

## Glider Certificate Eligibility Requirements 

To be eligible to fly a glider solo, an individual must be at least 14 years of age and demonstrate satisfactory aeronautical knowledge on a test developed by an instructor. A student must also have received and logged ground and flight training for the maneuvers and procedures in 14 CFR part 61 that are appropriate to the make and model of aircraft to be flown. A student pilot must demonstrate satisfactory proficiency and safety. Only after all of these requirements are met can an instructor endorse a student’s certificate and logbook for solo flight. 

To be eligible for a private pilot certificate with a glider rating, an individual must be at least 16 years of age, complete the specific training and flight time requirements described in 14 CFR part 61, pass a knowledge test, and successfully complete a practical test. 

To be eligible for a commercial or flight instructor glider certificate, an individual must be 18 years of age, complete the specific training requirements described in 14 CFR part 61, pass the required knowledge tests, and pass another practical test. If currently a pilot for a powered aircraft is adding a glider category rating on that certificate, the pilot is exempt from the knowledge test but must satisfactorily complete the practical test. Certificated glider pilots are not required to hold an airman medical certificate to operate a glider. However, they must not have any medical deficiencies. 

The FAA Practical Test Standards (PTS) establish the standards for the knowledge and skills necessary for the issuance of a pilot certificate. It is important to reference the PTS, FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 60-22, Aeronautical Decision Making, Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25), and the Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2) to understand the knowledge, skills, and experience required to obtain a pilot certificate to 

