Flight schools come in two basic flavors: Part 61 and Part 141. The difference refers to the section of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) under which the school trains. Below are definitions of each Part:

Part 61 - Outlines certificate and rating requirements pertaining to pilot certification. States what topics/areas must be covered during flight training and how much flight experience is required for each certificate and rating. All flight schools can train under Part 61 without obtaining special FAA approval. However, they must adhere to the statutory requirements under the CFRs and train pilots to the standards of Part 61.

Part 141 - Refers to flight schools which obtained Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval. Specifically, in order train pilots under Part 141 a school must attain approval from the FAA and adhere to a number of FAA requirements including:

• minimum personnel requirements;
• aircraft and facility requirements;
• utilization of a detailed course outline;
• documenting each student's progress;
• operating under strict rules;
• maintaining a high student pass ratio, etc.

Due to the higher standards, Part 141 schools can complete certificates and ratings in fewer hours than under Part 61. For example, the commercial pilot certificate requires 190 hours of flight time under Part 141 while Part 61 requires 250 hours.

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• 35 hours of ground training in specific areas for airplane category
  
  
• 35 hours of flight training for airplane category
  
  
• 20 hours of flight training from CFI on areas of operation and also includes:
  - 3 hours of cross country flight training
  - 3 hours of night flight training including 1 cross country of   more than 100nm and 10 takeoffs and landings to full stop
  - 3 hours of instrument training
  
  
• 5 hours of solo flight training which includes
  - 1 solo cross country, landing at 3 points, at least 100nm   with one segment at least 50nm
  - 3 takeoffs and landings at airport with an operating control    tower.

The written test includes questions on applicable operational subject areas as well as the FAR's. The FAA publishes all of the available questions and answers.

The practical test consists of an oral exam and a flight test. The private pilot single-engine land rating requires demonstration of proficiency with maneuvers including stalls, steep turns, and take-offs and landings etc.

Private Pilot Price List (PDF file)

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To be eligible for the FAA part 141 program you must hold at least a private pilot certificate for the aircraft category and class for which the course applies

The minimum requirements for taking the practical test in a single engine airplane are:

A Commercial Pilot Certificate is required for any person to be compensated for his/her pilot services. To be eligible for the FAA part 141 program you must hold at least a private pilot certificate and hold an instrument rating or be concurrently enrolled in an instrument rating course and pass the required instrument rating practical test prior to completing the commercial pilot certification course.

The minimum requirements for taking the practical test in a single engine airplane are:

The written test includes questions on all subject areas from the private written as well as additional regulations. The questions are more difficult than the private; however the FAA still publishes all of the available questions and answers.

The practical test consists of an oral exam and a flight test. The initial Commercial flight test must include demonstration of competency in a complex airplane. The Commercial Single Engine Land rating requires demonstration of proficiency with all maneuvers performed, including stalls, chandelles, lazy-eights, steep turns, etc…

The Commercial Multi-Engine rating does not require demonstration of these maneuvers. The Commercial and Private Pilot multi-engine airplane flight tests are similar.

Pro Pilot Price Sheet (PDF File)

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To acquire the Multi-engine Commercial rating the applicant must have completed the commercial single-engine rating. A written test is not required for the additional rating. Additionally, there is no minimum time requirement. You must however be able to demonstrate proficiency in multi-engine operations and emergency procedures.

The practical test consists of an oral exam and a flight test. If you already have an instrument rating, you are also required to demonstrate instrument proficiency for this add-on rating. This flight time estimate is based on the assumption that the applicant already has achieved a single engine commercial rating and an instrument rating.

Estimated Time: (Piper Seneca PA34 - Multi Engine Commercial Add-on)

Multi Engine Add On Price List (PDF File)