FAA Part 141 vs. Part 61

Program Information

Rising Wings Aviation Inc. offers flight training under both FAA Part 141 and Part 61, ensuring that every aspiring pilot has access to the best training path available. Before enrollment, we provide free consultations to give each student a clear understanding of our programs and the steps to their success.

What Is Part 141?

Part 141 defines the regulation of pilot schools. Part 141 schools are required to use a structured training program and a syllabus. Pilot schools may be certified for a variety of courses for pilots and instructors.

What Is Part 61?

Part 61 defines the requirements for certification for pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors. It regulates several types of licenses as to who is eligible, and it establishes the aeronautical knowledge requirements and flight time requirements.

Part 141 vs. Part 61

As a student at Rising Wings Aviation Inc., you can expect the same quality of training under both Part 141 and Part 61. Our instructors use structured syllabi for all flight courses, regardless of which program you enroll in. The two paths differ in FAA-regulated flight and ground hour requirements, which can make Part 141 training more cost-effective for students with little to no prior flight experience.

During our free consultations, we’ll help determine the best path to success for you. Unlike many flight schools that drag out training due to poor planning or lack of vision, Rising Wings Aviation Inc. has a proven record of steady student progress and successful program completions.

Flexibility

There are many misconceptions about the differences between Part 141 and Part 61 training. It is often said that Part 141 programs require stricter scheduling and greater time commitments than Part 61. At Rising Wings Aviation Inc., we train students ranging from weekend hobbyists to aspiring commercial pilots. You may attend full-time or part-time, depending on what best fits your schedule. We understand that you have a life outside the airplane, and we’re here to work around your availability to help you achieve your dreams.

Training

Training under Part 141 offers a more structured and highly regulated approach. The curriculum is FAA-approved, ensuring consistent and standardized instruction. It includes dedicated classrooms, certified instructors, and mandatory stage checks that ensure students are progressing as expected. These stage checks help maintain a high level of training quality. On the other hand, Part 61 lacks the requirement for an FAA-approved curriculum, giving instructors more leeway, but potentially less consistency in the training process. Regardless of which path is best for you, Rising Wings Aviation Inc. will assure consistency and progression throughout all of your flight training.

Training Time

The amount of time required to complete a flight training program depends on several variables. As the old saying goes, “It only takes two things to make a plane fly—time and money.” While that may be true for many aspects of life, the most important factor in flight training is a genuine love and passion for flying.

If you’ve always dreamed of learning to fly, Rising Wings Aviation Inc. is committed to helping you achieve that goal. Training can take as little as a few months for students flying five or more times per week. For those taking only a few lessons weekly, our average student completes training within six to nine months.

We’re open seven days a week to provide maximum flexibility, and accelerated training options are available for students who prefer a faster-paced program.

A typical lesson lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours, from the time you arrive at the airport until the time you leave. Occasionally, longer lessons are required for certain training flights that involve traveling to other cities or states outside of Casper. If desired, extended lesson blocks are available to all students, subject to instructor availability on a given day.

Flight Time (FAA Minimums)

Training Type
Private Pilot Certificate
Instrument Rating
Commercial Pilot Certificate
Total Hours
(Private, Instrument, Commercial)
Part 141
35 hours
35 hours
120 hours
190 hours
Part 61
40 hours
40 hours
250 hours
250 hours

Cost

At Rising Wings Aviation Inc., we understand that no one appreciates underestimates or sugarcoated costs. During your New Student Consultation, we provide a thorough breakdown of all flight training expenses, ensuring you’re never left with unexpected surprises.

Compared to similar flight schools nationwide, we are confident that our programs deliver exceptional efficiency and value. Over the years, countless students have told us, “You get what you pay for with flight training.” Unfortunately, many schools advertise only their bare minimum pricing and offer no apologies when actual costs exceed those estimates.

Because training times often go beyond the FAA’s required minimum hours, it’s essential to choose a flight school that sets honest and realistic pricing expectations. Rising Wings Aviation Inc. is that school.

Choosing the Right Flight School

Your choice of flight school defines your success. Choose a school with a proven reputation, skilled instructors, well-maintained aircraft, and unrivaled customer service to ensure the best flight training experience. Rising Wings Aviation Inc. checks all of the boxes!

"Our fleet includes well-maintained aircraft, such as Cessna 172s, a Twin Tecman P2006T, and a state-of-the-art Cirrus SR22T Perspective Glass Panel Aircraft, equipped with the latest technology for a safe and immersive training experience."
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