| While deciding on a helicopter flight school you will | | | | For a helicopter flight school to insure the quality of |
| probably hear people talk about flight schools operating | | | | training and to retain FAA Approval, they must |
| under part 141 or part 61. Which one is best and how | | | | maintain at least an 80% first time pass rate for all |
| do I decide which one to choose? | | | | graduates on FAA Flight Tests and the examining |
| A flight school operating under part 141 designation | | | | authority must have a pass rate of 90%. |
| means that the school must follow a syllabus | | | | If you are coming to the USA from overseas you will |
| approved by the FAA. The Chief Flight Instructor and | | | | need to find a helicopter flight school which can offer |
| Assistant Chief Flight Instructor must take annual | | | | training under part 141 as these are the only schools |
| check rides with the local FAA Examiner. It also | | | | that can offer you a visa. One of the requirements to |
| means that the performance of students is measured | | | | enroll in a part 141 school is, you need to provide |
| through progressive flight exams through out their | | | | evidence of your highest level of education. |
| training. Regular and random FAA inspections of | | | | Part 61 is simply being trained to the standards outlined |
| school facilities, aircraft, simulators and training devices, | | | | in the Federal Aviation Regulations. It states what |
| as well as student training records, and instructor | | | | areas of operation and topics to be covered, including |
| records. Also, if you decide you want to move to | | | | the minimum number of hours required for each area. |
| another school operating under the part 141 during your | | | | All flight schools can offer training under Part 61 |
| training you can transfer your records to the new | | | | without obtaining special FAA approval. However, they |
| school. I would strongly recommend you choose a part | | | | must comply with the statutory requirements under the |
| 141 School as you will be trained to the highest possible | | | | CFR (code of Federal regulations) and train pilots to |
| standards in well maintained aircraft. | | | | the standards of Part 61. Overall the 141 program is a |
| You will be required to complete a minimum number of | | | | better choice for the student helicopter pilot. |
| ground school hours. | | | | If you can afford it, I would recommend a full time |
| You will have a phase check before you go solo, | | | | helicopter training course. This ensures that you do not |
| before private check ride, Commercial check ride and | | | | have to re-learn skills lost during the intervals between |
| any other check ride that you have been trained for | | | | your lessons. If you intend to become a commercial |
| under the schools part 141 syllabus. A phase check is a | | | | helicopter pilot you will have to give up your day job to |
| simulated check ride with a senior instructor and | | | | spend about eight months to a year in school. It is |
| consists of an oral examination and a flight test. This | | | | possible to complete part time but it will take you a lot |
| will ensure that you are ready for your check ride. | | | | longer. |