Title 14—Aeronautics and Space--Volume 1
PART 141—PILOT SCHOOLS
§ 141.1   Applicability.
This part prescribes the requirements for issuing pilot school certificates, provisional pilot school certificates, and associated ratings, and the general operating rules applicable to a holder of a certificate or rating issued under this part. Additional requirements for pilot schools seeking to provide training courses for powered-lift certification and ratings are set forth in part 194 of this chapter.
§ 141.3   Certificate required.
No person may operate as a certificated pilot school without, or in violation of, a pilot school certificate or provisional pilot school certificate issued under this part.
§ 141.5   Requirements for a pilot school certificate.
The FAA may issue a pilot school certificate with the appropriate ratings if, within the 24 calendar months before the date application is made, the applicant—
(a) Completes the application for a pilot school certificate on the form and in the manner prescribed by the FAA;
(b) Has held a provisional pilot school certificate;
(c) Meets the applicable requirements under subparts A through C of this part for the school certificate and associated ratings sought;
(d) Has established a pass rate of 80 percent or higher on the first attempt for all:
(1) Knowledge tests leading to a certificate or rating;
(2) Practical tests leading to a certificate or rating;
(3) End-of-course tests for an approved training course specified in appendix K of this part; and
(4) End-of-course tests for special curricula courses approved under § 141.57.
(e) Has graduated at least 10 different people from the school's approved training courses.
§ 141.7   Provisional pilot school certificate.
An applicant that meets the applicable requirements of subparts A, B, and C of this part, but does not meet the recent training activity requirements of § 141.5(d) of this part, may be issued a provisional pilot school certificate with ratings.
§ 141.9   Examining authority.
The FAA issues examining authority to a pilot school for a training course if the pilot school and its training course meet the requirements of subpart D of this part.
§ 141.11   Pilot school ratings.
(a) The ratings listed in paragraph (b) of this section may be issued to an applicant for:
(1) A pilot school certificate, provided the applicant meets the requirements of § 141.5 of this part; or
(2) A provisional pilot school certificate, provided the applicant meets the requirements of § 141.7 of this part.
(b) An applicant may be authorized to conduct the following courses:
(1) Certification and rating courses. (Appendixes A through J).
(i) Recreational pilot course.
(ii) Private pilot course.
(iii) Commercial pilot course.
(iv) Instrument rating course.
(v) Airline transport pilot course.
(vi) Flight instructor course.
(vii) Flight instructor instrument course.
(viii) Ground instructor course.
(ix) Additional aircraft category or class rating course.
(x) Aircraft type rating course.
(2) Special preparation courses. (Appendix K).
(i) Pilot refresher course.
(ii) Flight instructor refresher course.
(iii) Ground instructor refresher course.
(iv) Agricultural aircraft operations course.
(v) Rotorcraft external-load operations course.
(vi) Special operations course.
(vii) Test pilot course.
(viii) Airline transport pilot certification training program.
(ix) Flight instructor enhanced qualification training program.
(3) Pilot ground school course. (Appendix L).
(4) Combined Private Pilot Certification and Instrument Rating Course. (Appendix M).
§ 141.13   Application for issuance, amendment, or renewal.
(a) Application for an original certificate and rating, an additional rating, or the renewal of a certificate under this part must be made on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator.
(b) Application for the issuance or amendment of a certificate or rating must be accompanied by two copies of each proposed training course curriculum for which approval is sought.
§ 141.17   Duration of certificate and examining authority.
(a) Unless surrendered, suspended, or revoked, a pilot school's certificate or a provisional pilot school's certificate expires:
(1) On the last day of the 24th calendar month from the month the certificate was issued;
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, on the date that any change in ownership of the school occurs;
(3) On the date of any change in the facilities upon which the school's certificate is based occurs; or
(4) Upon notice by the Administrator that the school has failed for more than 60 days to maintain the facilities, aircraft, or personnel required for any one of the school's approved training courses.
(b) A change in the ownership of a pilot school or provisional pilot school does not terminate that school's certificate if, within 30 days after the date that any change in ownership of the school occurs:
(1) Application is made for an appropriate amendment to the certificate; and
(2) No change in the facilities, personnel, or approved training courses is involved.
(c) An examining authority issued to the holder of a pilot school certificate expires on the date that the pilot school certificate expires, or is surrendered, suspended, or revoked.
§ 141.18   Carriage of narcotic drugs, marijuana, and depressant or stimulant drugs or substances.
If the holder of a certificate issued under this part permits any aircraft owned or leased by that holder to be engaged in any operation that the certificate holder knows to be in violation of § 91.19(a) of this chapter, that operation is a basis for suspending or revoking the certificate.
§ 141.19   Display of certificate.
(a) Each holder of a pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate must display that certificate in a place in the school that is normally accessible to the public and is not obscured.
(b) A certificate must be made available for inspection upon request by:
(1) The Administrator;
(2) An authorized representative of the National Transportation Safety Board; or
(3) A Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer.
§ 141.21   Inspections.
Each holder of a certificate issued under this part must allow the Administrator to inspect its personnel, facilities, equipment, and records to determine the certificate holder's:
(a) Eligibility to hold its certificate;
(b) Compliance with 49 U.S.C. 40101 et seq., formerly the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended; and
(c) Compliance with the Federal Aviation Regulations.
§ 141.23   Advertising limitations.
(a) The holder of a pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate may not make any statement relating to its certification and ratings that is false or designed to mislead any person contemplating enrollment in that school.
(b) The holder of a pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate may not advertise that the school is certificated unless it clearly differentiates between courses that have been approved under part 141 of this chapter and those that have not been approved under part 141 of this chapter.
(c) The holder of a pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate must promptly remove:
(1) From vacated premises, all signs indicating that the school was certificated by the Administrator; or
(2) All indications (including signs), wherever located, that the school is certificated by the Administrator when its certificate has expired or has been surrendered, suspended, or revoked.
§ 141.25   Business office and operations base.
(a) Each holder of a pilot school or a provisional pilot school certificate must maintain a principal business office with a mailing address in the name shown on its certificate.
(b) The facilities and equipment at the principal business office must be adequate to maintain the files and records required to operate the business of the school.
(c) The principal business office may not be shared with, or used by, another pilot school.
(d) Before changing the location of the principal business office or the operations base, each certificate holder must notify the responsible Flight Standards office for the area of the new location, and the notice must be:
(1) Submitted in writing at least 30 days before the change of location; and
(2) Accompanied by any amendments needed for the certificate holder's approved training course outline.
(e) A certificate holder may conduct training at an operations base other than the one specified in its certificate, if:
(1) The Administrator has inspected and approved the base for use by the certificate holder; and
(2) The course of training and any needed amendments have been approved for use at that base.
§ 141.26   Training agreements.
(a) A training center certificated under part 142 of this chapter may provide the training, testing, and checking for pilot schools certificated under this part and is considered to meet the requirements of this part, provided—
(1) There is a training agreement between the certificated training center and the pilot school;
(2) The training, testing, and checking provided by the certificated training center is approved and conducted under part 142;
(3) The pilot school certificated under this part obtains the Administrator's approval for a training course outline that includes the training, testing, and checking to be conducted under this part and the training, testing, and checking to be conducted under part 142; and
(4) Upon completion of the training, testing, and checking conducted under part 142, a copy of each student's training record is forwarded to the part 141 school and becomes part of the student's permanent training record.
(b) A pilot school that provides flight training for an institution of higher education that holds a letter of authorization under § 61.169 of this chapter must have a training agreement with that institution of higher education.
§ 141.27   Renewal of certificates and ratings.
(a) Pilot school. (1) A pilot school may apply for renewal of its school certificate and ratings within 30 days preceding the month the pilot school's certificate expires, provided the school meets the requirements prescribed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section for renewal of its certificate and ratings.
(2) A pilot school may have its school certificate and ratings renewed for an additional 24 calendar months if the Administrator determines the school's personnel, aircraft, facility and airport, approved training courses, training records, and recent training ability and quality meet the requirements of this part.
(3) A pilot school that does not meet the renewal requirements in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, may apply for a provisional pilot school certificate if the school meets the requirements of § 141.7 of this part.
(b) Provisional pilot school. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, a provisional pilot school may not have its provisional pilot school certificate or the ratings on that certificate renewed.
(2) A provisional pilot school may apply for a pilot school certificate and associated ratings provided that school meets the requirements of § 141.5 of this part.
(3) A former provisional pilot school may apply for another provisional pilot school certificate, provided 180 days have elapsed since its last provisional pilot school certificate expired.
§ 141.29   [Reserved]
§ 141.31   Applicability.
(a) This subpart prescribes:
(1) The personnel and aircraft requirements for a pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate; and
(2) The facilities that a pilot school or provisional pilot school must have available on a continuous basis.
(b) As used in this subpart, to have continuous use of a facility, including an airport, the school must have:
(1) Ownership of the facility or airport for at least 6 calendar months after the date the application for initial certification and on the date of renewal of the school's certificate is made; or
(2) A written lease agreement for the facility or airport for at least 6 calendar months after the date the application for initial certification and on the date of renewal of the school's certificate is made.
§ 141.33   Personnel.
(a) An applicant for a pilot school certificate or for a provisional pilot school certificate must meet the following personnel requirements:
(1) Each applicant must have adequate personnel, including certificated flight instructors, certificated ground instructors, or holders of a commercial pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air rating, and a chief instructor for each approved course of training who is qualified and competent to perform the duties to which that instructor is assigned.
(2) If the school employs dispatchers, aircraft handlers, and line and service personnel, then it must instruct those persons in the procedures and responsibilities of their employment.
(3) Each instructor to be used for ground or flight training must hold a flight instructor certificate, ground instructor certificate, or commercial pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air rating, as appropriate, with ratings for the approved course of training and any aircraft used in that course.
(4) In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph (a)(3) of this section, each instructor used for the airline transport pilot certification training program in § 61.156 of this chapter must:
(i) Hold an airline transport pilot certificate with an airplane category multiengine class rating;
(ii) Have at least 2 years of experience as a pilot in command in operations conducted under § 91.1053(a)(2)(i) or § 135.243(a)(1) of this chapter, or as a pilot in command or second in command in any operation conducted under part 121 of this chapter; and
(iii) If providing training in a flight simulation training device, have received training and evaluation within the preceding 12 months from the certificate holder on—
(A) Proper operation of flight simulator and flight training device controls and systems;
(B) Proper operation of environmental and fault panels,
(C) Data and motion limitations of simulation;
(D) Minimum equipment requirements for each curriculum; and
(E) The maneuvers that will be demonstrated in the flight simulation training device.
(b) An applicant for a pilot school certificate or for a provisional pilot school certificate must designate a chief instructor for each of the school's approved training courses, who must meet the requirements of § 141.35 of this part.
(c) When necessary, an applicant for a pilot school certificate or for a provisional pilot school certificate may designate a person to be an assistant chief instructor for an approved training course, provided that person meets the requirements of § 141.36 of this part.
(d) A pilot school and a provisional pilot school may designate a person to be a check instructor for conducting student stage checks, end-of-course tests, and instructor proficiency checks, provided:
(1) That person meets the requirements of § 141.37 of this part; and
(2) The school has an enrollment of at least 10 students at the time designation is sought.
(e) A person, as listed in this section, may serve in more than one position for a school, provided that person is qualified for each position.
§ 141.34   Employment of former FAA employees.
(a) Except as specified in paragraph (c) of this section, no holder of a pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate may knowingly employ or make a contractual arrangement which permits an individual to act as an agent or representative of the certificate holder in any matter before the Federal Aviation Administration if the individual, in the preceding 2 years—
(1) Served as, or was directly responsible for the oversight of, a Flight Standards Service aviation safety inspector; and
(2) Had direct responsibility to inspect, or oversee the inspection of, the operations of the certificate holder.
(b) For the purpose of this section, an individual shall be considered to be acting as an agent or representative of a certificate holder in a matter before the agency if the individual makes any written or oral communication on behalf of the certificate holder to the agency (or any of its officers or employees) in connection with a particular matter, whether or not involving a specific party and without regard to whether the individual has participated in, or had responsibility for, the particular matter while serving as a Flight Standards Service aviation safety inspector.
(c) The provisions of this section do not prohibit a holder of a pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate from knowingly employing or making a contractual arrangement which permits an individual to act as an agent or representative of the certificate holder in any matter before the Federal Aviation Administration if the individual was employed by the certificate holder before October 21, 2011.
§ 141.35   Chief instructor qualifications.
(a) To be eligible for designation as a chief instructor for a course of training, a person must meet the following requirements:
(1) Hold a commercial pilot certificate or an airline transport pilot certificate, and, except for a chief instructor for a course of training solely for a lighter-than-air rating, a current flight instructor certificate. The certificates must contain the appropriate aircraft category and class ratings for the category and class of aircraft used in the course and an instrument rating, if an instrument rating is required for enrollment in the course of training;
(2) Meet the pilot-in-command recent flight experience requirements of § 61.57 of this chapter;
(3) Pass a knowledge test on—
(i) Teaching methods;
(ii) Applicable provisions of the “Aeronautical Information Manual”;
(iii) Applicable provisions of parts 61, 91, and 141 of this chapter; and
(iv) The objectives and approved course completion standards of the course for which the person seeks to obtain designation.
(4) Pass a proficiency test on instructional skills and ability to train students on the flight procedures and maneuvers appropriate to the course;
(5) Except for a course of training for gliders, balloons, or airships, the chief instructor must meet the applicable requirements in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section; and
(6) A chief instructor for a course of training for gliders, balloons or airships is only required to have 40 percent of the hours required in paragraphs (b) and (d) of this section.
(b) For a course of training leading to the issuance of a recreational or private pilot certificate or rating, a chief instructor must have:
(1) At least 1,000 hours as pilot in command; and
(2) Primary flight training experience, acquired as either a certificated flight instructor or an instructor in a military pilot flight training program, or a combination thereof, consisting of at least—
(i) 2 years and a total of 500 flight hours; or
(ii) 1,000 flight hours.
(c) For a course of training leading to the issuance of an instrument rating or a rating with instrument privileges, a chief instructor must have:
(1) At least 100 hours of flight time under actual or simulated instrument conditions;
(2) At least 1,000 hours as pilot in command; and
(3) Instrument flight instructor experience, acquired as either a certificated flight instructor-instrument or an instructor in a military pilot flight training program, or a combination thereof, consisting of at least—
(i) 2 years and a total of 250 flight hours; or
(ii) 400 flight hours.
(d) For a course of training other than one leading to the issuance of a recreational or private pilot certificate or rating, or an instrument rating or a rating with instrument privileges, a chief instructor must have:
(1) At least 2,000 hours as pilot in command; and
(2) Flight training experience, acquired as either a certificated flight instructor or an instructor in a military pilot flight training program, or a combination thereof, consisting of at least—
(i) 3 years and a total of 1,000 flight hours; or
(ii) 1,500 flight hours.
(e) To be eligible for designation as chief instructor for a ground school course, a person must have 1 year of experience as a ground school instructor at a certificated pilot school.
§ 141.36   Assistant chief instructor qualifications.
(a) To be eligible for designation as an assistant chief instructor for a course of training, a person must meet the following requirements:
(1) Hold a commercial pilot or an airline transport pilot certificate and, except for the assistant chief instructor for a course of training solely for a lighter-than-air rating, a current flight instructor certificate. The certificates must contain the appropriate aircraft category, class, and instrument ratings if an instrument rating is required by the course of training for the category and class of aircraft used in the course;
(2) Meet the pilot-in-command recent flight experience requirements of § 61.57 of this chapter;
(3) Pass a knowledge test on—
(i) Teaching methods;
(ii) Applicable provisions of the “Aeronautical Information Manual”;
(iii) Applicable provisions of parts 61, 91, and 141 of this chapter; and
(iv) The objectives and approved course completion standards of the course for which the person seeks to obtain designation.
(4) Pass a proficiency test on the flight procedures and maneuvers appropriate to that course; and
(5) Meet the applicable requirements in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section. However, an assistant chief instructor for a course of training for gliders, balloons, or airships is only required to have 40 percent of the hours required in paragraphs (b) and (d) of this section.
(b) For a course of training leading to the issuance of a recreational or private pilot certificate or rating, an assistant chief instructor must have:
(1) At least 500 hours as pilot in command; and
(2) Flight training experience, acquired as either a certificated flight instructor or an instructor in a military pilot flight training program, or a combination thereof, consisting of at least—
(i) 1 year and a total of 250 flight hours; or
(ii) 500 flight hours.
(c) For a course of training leading to the issuance of an instrument rating or a rating with instrument privileges, an assistant chief flight instructor must have:
(1) At least 50 hours of flight time under actual or simulated instrument conditions;
(2) At least 500 hours as pilot in command; and
(3) Instrument flight instructor experience, acquired as either a certificated flight instructor-instrument or an instructor in a military pilot flight training program, or a combination thereof, consisting of at least—
(i) 1 year and a total of 125 flight hours; or
(ii) 200 flight hours.
(d) For a course of training other than one leading to the issuance of a recreational or private pilot certificate or rating, or an instrument rating or a rating with instrument privileges, an assistant chief instructor must have:
(1) At least 1,000 hours as pilot in command; and
(2) Flight training experience, acquired as either a certificated flight instructor or an instructor in a military pilot flight training program, or a combination thereof, consisting of at least—
(i) 1 1/2 years and a total of 500 flight hours; or
(ii) 750 flight hours.
(e) To be eligible for designation as an assistant chief instructor for a ground school course, a person must have 6 months of experience as a ground school instructor at a certificated pilot school.
§ 141.37   Check instructor qualifications.
(a) To be designated as a check instructor for conducting student stage checks, end-of-course tests, and instructor proficiency checks under this part, a person must meet the eligibility requirements of this section:
(1) For checks and tests that relate to either flight or ground training, the person must pass a test, given by the chief instructor, on—
(i) Teaching methods;
(ii) Applicable provisions of the “Aeronautical Information Manual”;
(iii) Applicable provisions of parts 61, 91, and 141 of this chapter; and
(iv) The objectives and course completion standards of the approved training course for the designation sought.
(2) For checks and tests that relate to a flight training course, the person must—
(i) Meet the requirements in paragraph (a)(1) of this section;
(ii) Hold a commercial pilot certificate or an airline transport pilot certificate and, except for a check instructor for a course of training for a lighter-than-air rating, a current flight instructor certificate. The certificates must contain the appropriate aircraft category, class, and instrument ratings for the category and class of aircraft used in the course;
(iii) Meet the pilot-in-command recent flight experience requirements of § 61.57 of this chapter; and
(iv) Pass a proficiency test, given by the chief instructor or assistant chief instructor, on the flight procedures and maneuvers of the approved training course for the designation sought.
(3) For checks and tests that relate to ground training, the person must—
(i) Meet the requirements in paragraph (a)(1) of this section;
(ii) Except for a course of training for a lighter-than-air rating, hold either a current flight instructor certificate with the appropriate category and class of aircraft, or ground instructor certificate with appropriate ratings, to be used in the course of training; and
(iii) For a course of training for a lighter-than-air rating, hold a commercial pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air category rating and the appropriate class rating.
(b) A person who meets the eligibility requirements in paragraph (a) of this section must:
(1) Be designated, in writing, by the chief instructor to conduct student stage checks, end-of-course tests, and instructor proficiency checks; and
(2) Be approved by the responsible Flight Standards office for the school.
(c) A check instructor may not conduct a stage check or an end-of-course test of any student for whom the check instructor has:
(1) Served as the principal instructor; or
(2) Recommended for a stage check or end-of-course test.
§ 141.38   Airports.
(a) An applicant for a pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate must show that he or she has continuous use of each airport at which training flights originate.
(b) Each airport used for airplanes and gliders must have at least one runway or takeoff area that allows training aircraft to make a normal takeoff or landing under the following conditions at the aircraft's maximum certificated takeoff gross weight:
(1) Under wind conditions of not more than 5 miles per hour;
(2) At temperatures in the operating area equal to the mean high temperature for the hottest month of the year;
(3) If applicable, with the powerplant operation, and landing gear and flap operation recommended by the manufacturer; and
(4) In the case of a takeoff—
(i) With smooth transition from liftoff to the best rate of climb speed without exceptional piloting skills or techniques; and
(ii) Clearing all obstacles in the takeoff flight path by at least 50 feet.
(c) Each airport must have a wind direction indicator that is visible from the end of each runway at ground level;
(d) Each airport must have a traffic direction indicator when:
(1) The airport does not have an operating control tower; and
(2) UNICOM advisories are not available.
(e) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, each airport used for night training flights must have permanent runway lights;
(f) An airport or seaplane base used for night training flights in seaplanes is permitted to use adequate nonpermanent lighting or shoreline lighting, if approved by the Administrator.
§ 141.39   Aircraft.
(a) When the school's training facility is located within the U.S., an applicant for a pilot school certificate or provisional pilot school certificate must show that each aircraft used by the school for flight training and solo flights:
(1) Is a civil aircraft of the United States;
(2) Is certificated with a standard airworthiness certificate, a primary airworthiness certificate, or a special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category unless the FAA determines otherwise because of the nature of the approved course;
(3) Is maintained and inspected in accordance with the requirements for aircraft operated for hire under part 91, subpart E, of this chapter;
(4) Has two pilot stations with engine-power controls that can be easily reached and operated in a normal manner from both pilot stations (for flight training); and
(5) Is equipped and maintained for IFR operations if used in a course involving IFR en route operations and instrument approaches. For training in the control and precision maneuvering of an aircraft by reference to instruments, the aircraft may be equipped as provided in the approved course of training.
(b) When the school's training facility is located outside the U.S. and the training will be conducted outside the U.S., an applicant for a pilot school certificate or provisional pilot school certificate must show that each aircraft used by the school for flight training and solo flights:
(1) Is either a civil aircraft of the United States or a civil aircraft of foreign registry;
(2) Is certificated with a standard or primary airworthiness certificate or an equivalent certification from the foreign aviation authority;
(3) Is maintained and inspected in accordance with the requirements for aircraft operated for hire under part 91, subpart E of this chapter, or in accordance with equivalent maintenance and inspection from the foreign aviation authority's requirements;
(4) Has two pilot stations with engine-power controls that can be easily reached and operated in a normal manner from both pilot stations (for flight training); and
(5) Is equipped and maintained for IFR operations if used in a course involving IFR en route operations and instrument approaches. For training in the control and precision maneuvering of an aircraft by reference to instruments, the aircraft may be equipped as provided in the approved course of training.
§ 141.41   Full flight simulators, flight training devices, aviation training devices, and training aids.
An applicant for a pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate must show that its full flight simulators, flight training devices, aviation training devices, training aids, and equipment meet the following requirements:
(a) Full flight simulators and flight training devices. Each full flight simulator and flight training device used to obtain flight training credit in an approved pilot training course curriculum must be:
(1) Qualified under part 60 of this chapter, or a previously qualified device, as permitted in accordance with § 60.17 of this chapter; and
(2) Approved by the Administrator for the tasks and maneuvers.
(b) Aviation training devices. Each basic or advanced aviation training device used to obtain flight training credit in an approved pilot training course curriculum must be evaluated, qualified, and approved by the Administrator.
(c) Training aids and equipment. Each training aid, including any audiovisual aid, projector, mockup, chart, or aircraft component listed in the approved training course outline, must be accurate and relevant to the course for which it is used.
§ 141.43   Pilot briefing areas.
(a) An applicant for a pilot school certificate or provisional pilot school certificate must show that the applicant has continuous use of a briefing area located at each airport at which training flights originate that is:
(1) Adequate to shelter students waiting to engage in their training flights;
(2) Arranged and equipped for the conduct of pilot briefings; and
(3) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, for a school with an instrument rating or commercial pilot course, equipped with private landline or telephone communication to the nearest FAA Flight Service Station.
(b) A briefing area required by paragraph (a) of this section may not be used by the applicant if it is available for use by any other pilot school during the period it is required for use by the applicant.
(c) The communication equipment required by paragraph (a)(3) of this section is not required if the briefing area and the flight service station are located on the same airport, and are readily accessible to each other.
§ 141.45   Ground training facilities.
An applicant for a pilot school or provisional pilot school certificate must show that:
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, each room, training booth, or other space used for instructional purposes is heated, lighted, and ventilated to conform to local building, sanitation, and health codes.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the training facility is so located that the students in that facility are not distracted by the training conducted in other rooms, or by flight and maintenance operations on the airport.
(c) If a training course is conducted through an internet-based medium, the holder of a pilot school certificate or provisional pilot school certificate that provides such training need not comply with paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section but must maintain in current status a permanent business location and business telephone number.
§ 141.51   Applicability.
This subpart prescribes the curriculum and course outline requirements for the issuance of a pilot school certificate or provisional pilot school certificate and ratings.
§ 141.53   Approval procedures for a training course: General.
(a) General. An applicant for a pilot school certificate or provisional pilot school certificate must obtain the Administrator's approval of the outline of each training course for which certification and rating is sought.
(b) Application. (1) An application for the approval of an initial or amended training course must be submitted in duplicate to the responsible Flight Standards office for the area where the school is based.
(2) An application for the approval of an initial or amended training course must be submitted at least 30 days before any training under that course, or any amendment thereto, is scheduled to begin.
(3) An application for amending a training course must be accompanied by two copies of the amendment.
(c) Training courses. An applicant for a pilot school certificate or provisional pilot school certificate may request approval for the training courses specified under § 141.11(b).
(d) Additional rules for internet based training courses. An application for an initial or amended training course offered through an internet based medium must comply with the following:
(1) All amendments must be identified numerically by page, date, and screen. Minor editorial and typographical changes do not require FAA approval, provided the school notifies the FAA within 30 days of their insertion.
(2) For monitoring purposes, the school must provide the FAA an acceptable means to log-in and log-off from a remote location to review all elements of the course as viewed by attendees and to by-pass the normal attendee restrictions.
(3) The school must incorporate adequate security measures into its internet-based courseware information system and into its operating and maintenance procedures to ensure the following fundamental areas of security and protection:
(i) Integrity.
(ii) Identification/Authentication.
(iii) Confidentiality.
(iv) Availability.
(v) Access control.
§ 141.55   Training course: Contents.
(a) Each training course for which approval is requested must meet the minimum curriculum requirements in accordance with the appropriate appendix of this part.
(b) Except as provided in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, each training course for which approval is requested must meet the minimum ground and flight training time requirements in accordance with the appropriate appendix of this part.
(c) Each training course for which approval is requested must contain:
(1) A description of each room used for ground training, including the room's size and the maximum number of students that may be trained in the room at one time, unless the course is provided via an internet-based training medium;
(2) A description of each type of audiovisual aid, projector, tape recorder, mockup, chart, aircraft component, and other special training aids used for ground training;
(3) A description of each flight simulator or flight training device used for training;
(4) A listing of the airports at which training flights originate and a description of the facilities, including pilot briefing areas that are available for use by the school's students and personnel at each of those airports;
(5) A description of the type of aircraft including any special equipment used for each phase of training;
(6) The minimum qualifications and ratings for each instructor assigned to ground or flight training; and
(7) A training syllabus that includes the following information—
(i) The prerequisites for enrolling in the ground and flight portion of the course that include the pilot certificate and rating (if required by this part), training, pilot experience, and pilot knowledge;
(ii) A detailed description of each lesson, including the lesson's objectives, standards, and planned time for completion;
(iii) A description of what the course is expected to accomplish with regard to student learning;
(iv) The expected accomplishments and the standards for each stage of training; and
(v) A description of the checks and tests to be used to measure a student's accomplishments for each stage of training.
(d) A pilot school may request and receive initial approval for a period of not more than 24 calendar months for any training course under this part that does not meet the minimum ground and flight training time requirements, provided the following provisions are met:
(1) The school holds a pilot school certificate issued under this part and has held that certificate for a period of at least 24 consecutive calendar months preceding the month of the request;
(2) In addition to the information required by paragraph (c) of this section, the training course specifies planned ground and flight training time requirements for the course;
(3) The school does not request the training course to be approved for examining authority, nor may that school hold examining authority for that course; and
(4) The practical test or knowledge test for the course is to be given by—
(i) An FAA inspector; or
(ii) An examiner who is not an employee of the school.
(e) A pilot school may request and receive final approval for any training course under this part that does not meet the minimum ground and flight training time requirements, provided the following conditions are met:
(1) The school has held initial approval for that training course for at least 24 calendar months.
(2) The school has—
(i) Trained at least 10 students in that training course within the preceding 24 calendar months and recommended those students for a pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate or rating; and
(ii) At least 80 percent of those students passed the practical or knowledge test, as appropriate, on the first attempt, and that test was given by—
(A) An FAA inspector; or
(B) An examiner who is not an employee of the school.
(3) In addition to the information required by paragraph (c) of this section, the training course specifies planned ground and flight training time requirements for the course.
(4) The school does not request that the training course be approved for examining authority nor may that school hold examining authority for that course.
§ 141.57   Special curricula.
An applicant for a pilot school certificate or provisional pilot school certificate may apply for approval to conduct a special course of airman training for which a curriculum is not prescribed in the appendixes of this part, if the applicant shows that the training course contains features that could achieve a level of pilot proficiency equivalent to that achieved by a training course prescribed in the appendixes of this part or the requirements of part 61 of this chapter.
§ 141.61   Applicability.
This subpart prescribes the requirements for the issuance of examining authority to the holder of a pilot school certificate, and the privileges and limitations of that examining authority.
§ 141.63   Examining authority qualification requirements.
(a) A pilot school must meet the following prerequisites to receive initial approval for examining authority:
(1) The school must complete the application for examining authority on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator;
(2) The school must hold a pilot school certificate and rating issued under this part;
(3) The school must have held the rating in which examining authority is sought for at least 24 consecutive calendar months preceding the month of application for examining authority;
(4) The training course for which examining authority is requested may not be a course that is approved without meeting the minimum ground and flight training time requirements of this part; and
(5) Within 24 calendar months before the date of application for examining authority, that school must meet the following requirements—
(i) The school must have trained at least 10 students in the training course for which examining authority is sought and recommended those students for a pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate or rating; and
(ii) At least 90 percent of those students passed the required practical or knowledge test, or any combination thereof, for the pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate or rating on the first attempt, and that test was given by—
(A) An FAA inspector; or
(B) An examiner who is not an employee of the school.
(b) A pilot school must meet the following requirements to retain approval of its examining authority:
(1) The school must complete the application for renewal of its examining authority on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator;
(2) The school must hold a pilot school certificate and rating issued under this part;
(3) The school must have held the rating for which continued examining authority is sought for at least 24 calendar months preceding the month of application for renewal of its examining authority; and
(4) The training course for which continued examining authority is requested may not be a course that is approved without meeting the minimum ground and flight training time requirements of this part.
§ 141.65   Privileges.
A pilot school that holds examining authority may recommend a person who graduated from its course for the appropriate pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate or rating without taking the FAA knowledge test or practical test in accordance with the provisions of this subpart.
§ 141.67   Limitations and reports.
A pilot school that holds examining authority may only recommend the issuance of a pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate and rating to a person who does not take an FAA knowledge test or practical test, if the recommendation for the issuance of that certificate or rating is in accordance with the following requirements:
(a) The person graduated from a training course for which the pilot school holds examining authority.
(b) Except as provided in this paragraph, the person satisfactorily completed all the curriculum requirements of that pilot school's approved training course. A person who transfers from one part 141 approved pilot school to another part 141 approved pilot school may receive credit for that previous training, provided the following requirements are met:
(1) The maximum credited training time does not exceed one-half of the receiving school's curriculum requirements;
(2) The person completes a knowledge and proficiency test conducted by the receiving school for the purpose of determining the amount of pilot experience and knowledge to be credited;
(3) The receiving school determines (based on the person's performance on the knowledge and proficiency test required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section) the amount of credit to be awarded, and records that credit in the person's training record;
(4) The person who requests credit for previous pilot experience and knowledge obtained the experience and knowledge from another part 141 approved pilot school and training course; and
(5) The receiving school retains a copy of the person's training record from the previous school.
(c) Tests given by a pilot school that holds examining authority must be approved by the Administrator and be at least equal in scope, depth, and difficulty to the comparable knowledge and practical tests prescribed by the Administrator under part 61 of this chapter.
(d) A pilot school that holds examining authority may not use its knowledge or practical tests if the school:
(1) Knows, or has reason to believe, the test has been compromised; or
(2) Is notified by the responsible Flight Standards office that there is reason to believe or it is known that the test has been compromised.
(e) A pilot school that holds examining authority must maintain a record of all temporary airman certificates it issues, which consist of the following information:
(1) A chronological listing that includes—
(i) The date the temporary airman certificate was issued;
(ii) The student to whom the temporary airman certificate was issued, and that student's permanent mailing address and telephone number;
(iii) The training course from which the student graduated;
(iv) The name of person who conducted the knowledge or practical test;
(v) The type of temporary airman certificate or rating issued to the student; and
(vi) The date the student's airman application file was sent to the FAA for processing for a permanent airman certificate.
(2) A copy of the record containing each student's graduation certificate, airman application, temporary airman certificate, superseded airman certificate (if applicable), and knowledge test or practical test results; and
(3) The records required by paragraph (e) of this section must be retained for 1 year and made available to the Administrator upon request. These records must be surrendered to the Administrator when the pilot school ceases to have examining authority.
(f) Except for pilot schools that have an airman certification representative, when a student passes the knowledge test or practical test, the pilot school that holds examining authority must submit that student's airman application file and training record to the FAA for processing for the issuance of a permanent airman certificate.
§ 141.71   Applicability.
This subpart prescribes the operating rules applicable to a pilot school or provisional pilot school certificated under the provisions of this part.
§ 141.73   Privileges.
(a) The holder of a pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate may advertise and conduct approved pilot training courses in accordance with the certificate and any ratings that it holds.
(b) A pilot school that holds examining authority for an approved training course may recommend a graduate of that course for the issuance of an appropriate pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate and rating, without taking an FAA knowledge test or practical test, provided the training course has been approved and meets the minimum ground and flight training time requirements of this part.
§ 141.75   Aircraft requirements.
The following items must be carried on each aircraft used for flight training and solo flights:
(a) A pretakeoff and prelanding checklist; and
(b) The operator's handbook for the aircraft, if one is furnished by the manufacturer, or copies of the handbook if furnished to each student using the aircraft.
§ 141.77   Limitations.
(a) The holder of a pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate may not issue a graduation certificate to a student, or recommend a student for a pilot certificate or rating, unless the student has:
(1) Completed the training specified in the pilot school's course of training; and
(2) Passed the required final tests.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the holder of a pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate may not graduate a student from a course of training unless the student has completed all of the curriculum requirements of that course;
(c) A student may be given credit towards the curriculum requirements of a course for previous training under the following conditions:
(1) If the student completed a proficiency test and knowledge test that was conducted by the receiving pilot school and the previous training was based on a part 141- or a part 142-approved flight training course, the credit is limited to not more than 50 percent of the flight training requirements of the curriculum.
(2) If the student completed a knowledge test that was conducted by the receiving pilot school and the previous training was based on a part 141- or a part 142-approved aeronautical knowledge training course, the credit is limited to not more than 50 percent of the aeronautical knowledge training requirements of the curriculum.
(3) If the student completed a proficiency test and knowledge test that was conducted by the receiving pilot school and the training was received from other than a part 141- or a part 142-approved flight training course, the credit is limited to not more than 25 percent of the flight training requirements of the curriculum.
(4) If the student completed a knowledge test that was conducted by the receiving pilot school and the previous training was received from other than a part 141- or a part 142-approved aeronautical knowledge training course, the credit is limited to not more than 25 percent of the aeronautical knowledge training requirements of the curriculum.
(5) Completion of previous training must be certified in the student's training record by the training provider or a management official within the training provider's organization, and must contain—
(i) The kind and amount of training provided; and
(ii) The result of each stage check and end-of-course test, if appropriate.
§ 141.79   Flight training.
(a) No person other than a certificated flight instructor or commercial pilot with a lighter-than-air rating who has the ratings and the minimum qualifications specified in the approved training course outline may give a student flight training under an approved course of training.
(b) No student pilot may be authorized to start a solo practice flight from an airport until the flight has been approved by a certificated flight instructor or commercial pilot with a lighter-than-air rating who is present at that airport.
(c) Each chief instructor and assistant chief instructor assigned to a training course must complete, at least once every 12 calendar months, an approved syllabus of training consisting of ground or flight training, or both, or an approved flight instructor refresher course.
(d) Each certificated flight instructor or commercial pilot with a lighter-than-air rating who is assigned to a flight training course must satisfactorily complete the following tasks, which must be administered by the school's chief instructor, assistant chief instructor, or check instructor:
(1) Prior to receiving authorization to train students in a flight training course, must—
(i) Accomplish a review of and receive a briefing on the objectives and standards of that training course; and
(ii) Accomplish an initial proficiency check in each make and model of aircraft used in that training course in which that person provides training; and
(2) Every 12 calendar months after the month in which the person last complied with the requirements of paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section, accomplish a recurrent proficiency check in one of the aircraft in which the person trains students.
§ 141.81   Ground training.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, each instructor who is assigned to a ground training course must hold a flight or ground instructor certificate, or a commercial pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air rating, with the appropriate rating for that course of training.
(b) A person who does not meet the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section may be assigned ground training duties in a ground training course, if:
(1) The chief instructor who is assigned to that ground training course finds the person qualified to give that training; and
(2) The training is given while under the supervision of the chief instructor or the assistant chief instructor who is present at the facility when the training is given.
(c) An instructor may not be used in a ground training course until that instructor has been briefed on the objectives and standards of that course by the chief instructor, assistant chief instructor, or check instructor.
§ 141.83   Quality of training.
(a) Each pilot school or provisional pilot school must meet the following requirements:
(1) Comply with its approved training course; and
(2) Provide training of such quality that meets the requirements of § 141.5(d) of this part.
(b) The failure of a pilot school or provisional pilot school to maintain the quality of training specified in paragraph (a) of this section may be the basis for suspending or revoking that school's certificate.
(c) When requested by the Administrator, a pilot school or provisional pilot school must allow the FAA to administer any knowledge test, practical test, stage check, or end-of-course test to its students.
(d) When a stage check or end-of-course test is administered by the FAA under the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section, and the student has not completed the training course, then that test will be based on the standards prescribed in the school's approved training course.
(e) When a practical test or knowledge test is administered by the FAA under the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section, to a student who has completed the school's training course, that test will be based upon the areas of operation approved by the Administrator.
§ 141.85   Chief instructor responsibilities.
(a) A chief instructor designated for a pilot school or provisional pilot school is responsible for:
(1) Certifying each student's training record, graduation certificate, stage check and end-of-course test reports, and recommendation for course completion, unless the duties are delegated by the chief instructor to an assistant chief instructor or recommending instructor;
(2) Ensuring that each certificated flight instructor, certificated ground instructor, or commercial pilot with a lighter-than-air rating passes an initial proficiency check prior to that instructor being assigned instructing duties in the school's approved training course, and thereafter that the instructor passes a recurrent proficiency check every 12 calendar months after the month in which the initial test was accomplished;
(3) Ensuring that each student accomplishes the required stage checks and end-of-course tests in accordance with the school's approved training course; and
(4) Maintaining training techniques, procedures, and standards for the school that are acceptable to the Administrator.
(b) The chief instructor or an assistant chief instructor must be available at the pilot school or, if away from the pilot school, be available by telephone, radio, or other electronic means during the time that training is given for an approved training course.
(c) The chief instructor may delegate authority for conducting stage checks, end-of-course tests, and flight instructor proficiency checks to the assistant chief instructor or a check instructor.
§ 141.87   Change of chief instructor.
Whenever a pilot school or provisional pilot school makes a change of designation of its chief instructor, that school:
(a) Must immediately provide the FAA responsible Flight Standards office in which the school is located with written notification of the change;
(b) May conduct training without a chief instructor for that training course for a period not to exceed 60 days while awaiting the designation and approval of another chief instructor;
(c) May, for a period not to exceed 60 days, have the stage checks and end-of-course tests administered by:
(1) The training course's assistant chief instructor, if one has been designated;
(2) The training course's check instructor, if one has been designated;
(3) An FAA inspector; or
(4) An examiner.
(d) Must, after 60 days without a chief instructor, cease operations and surrender its certificate to the Administrator; and
(e) May have its certificate reinstated, upon:
(1) Designating and approving another chief instructor;
(2) Showing it meets the requirements of § 141.27(a)(2) of this part; and
(3) Applying for reinstatement on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator.
§ 141.89   Maintenance of personnel, facilities, and equipment.
The holder of a pilot school certificate or provisional pilot school certificate may not provide training to a student who is enrolled in an approved course of training unless:
(a) Each airport, aircraft, and facility necessary for that training meets the standards specified in the holder's approved training course outline and the appropriate requirements of this part; and
(b) Except as provided in § 141.87 of this part, each chief instructor, assistant chief instructor, check instructor, or instructor meets the qualifications specified in the holder's approved course of training and the appropriate requirements of this part.
§ 141.91   Satellite bases.
The holder of a pilot school certificate or provisional pilot school certificate may conduct ground training or flight training in an approved course of training at a base other than its main operations base if:
(a) An assistant chief instructor is designated for each satellite base, and that assistant chief instructor is available at that base or, if away from the premises, by telephone, radio, or other electronic means during the time that training is provided for an approved training course;
(b) The airport, facilities, and personnel used at the satellite base meet the appropriate requirements of subpart B of this part and its approved training course outline;
(c) The instructors are under the direct supervision of the chief instructor or assistant chief instructor for the appropriate training course, who is readily available for consultation in accordance with § 141.85(b) of this part; and
(d) The responsible Flight Standards office for the area in which the school is located is notified in writing if training is conducted at a base other than the school's main operations base for more than 7 consecutive days.
§ 141.93   Enrollment.
(a) The holder of a pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate must, at the time a student is enrolled in an approved training course, furnish that student with a copy of the following:
(1) A certificate of enrollment containing—
(i) The name of the course in which the student is enrolled; and
(ii) The date of that enrollment.
(2) A copy of the student's training syllabus.
(3) Except for a training course offered through an internet based medium, a copy of the safety procedures and practices developed by the school that describe the use of the school's facilities and the operation of its aircraft. Those procedures and practices shall include training on at least the following information—
(i) The weather minimums required by the school for dual and solo flights;
(ii) The procedures for starting and taxiing aircraft on the ramp;
(iii) Fire precautions and procedures;
(iv) Redispatch procedures after unprogrammed landings, on and off airports;
(v) Aircraft discrepancies and approval for return-to-service determinations;
(vi) Securing of aircraft when not in use;
(vii) Fuel reserves necessary for local and cross-country flights;
(viii) Avoidance of other aircraft in flight and on the ground;
(ix) Minimum altitude limitations and simulated emergency landing instructions; and
(x) A description of and instructions regarding the use of assigned practice areas.
(b) The holder of a pilot school certificate or provisional pilot school certificate must maintain a monthly listing of persons enrolled in each training course offered by the school.
§ 141.95   Graduation certificate.
(a) The holder of a pilot school certificate or provisional pilot school certificate must issue a graduation certificate to each student who completes its approved course of training.
(b) The graduation certificate must be issued to the student upon completion of the course of training and contain at least the following information:
(1) The name of the school and the certificate number of the school;
(2) The name of the graduate to whom it was issued;
(3) The course of training for which it was issued;
(4) The date of graduation;
(5) A statement that the student has satisfactorily completed each required stage of the approved course of training including the tests for those stages;
(6) A certification of the information contained on the graduation certificate by the chief instructor for that course of training; and
(7) A statement showing the cross-country training that the student received in the course of training.
(8) Certificates issued upon graduating from a course based on internet media must be uniquely identified using an alphanumeric code that is specific to the student graduating from that course.
§ 141.101   Training records.
(a) Each holder of a pilot school certificate or provisional pilot school certificate must establish and maintain a current and accurate record of the participation of each student enrolled in an approved course of training conducted by the school that includes the following information:
(1) The date the student was enrolled in the approved course;
(2) A chronological log of the student's course attendance, subjects, and flight operations covered in the student's training, and the names and grades of any tests taken by the student; and
(3) The date the student graduated, terminated training, or transferred to another school. In the case of graduation from a course based on internet media, the school must maintain the identifying graduation certificate code required by § 141.95(b)(8).
(b) The records required to be maintained in a student's logbook will not suffice for the record required by paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) Whenever a student graduates, terminates training, or transfers to another school, the student's record must be certified to that effect by the chief instructor.
(d) The holder of a pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate must retain each student record required by this section for at least 1 year from the date that the student:
(1) Graduates from the course to which the record pertains;
(2) Terminates enrollment in the course to which the record pertains; or
(3) Transfers to another school.
(e) The holder of a pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate must make a copy of the student's training record available upon request by the student.