Part 61 Flight School Training

Completing a comprehensive Part 61 Flight School Training program at Kingsky Flight Academy will prepare you to pursue a career as a professional pilot or top-notch private pilot. By following the Part 61 training path, you will enjoy greater flexibility in scheduling and can complete your flight training on a part-time basis.

Who Should Enroll in the Part 61 Flight School Program?

Pilot certificate requirements for the Part 61 and Part 141 programs are similar. While some students choose the Part 141 course specifically because it is eligible for VA reimbursement, those who are paying out of pocket often choose Part 61 because:

  • They want to do most of their training with a specific flight instructor
  • They have busy schedules or day jobs they need to schedule around
  • They want to pursue pilot training on a part-time basis, rather than in a formal full-time program
  • They want to focus on specific skills or rearrange lesson content
  • They prefer completing a few more flight hours before their FAA Checkride

What Is Included in Our Part 61 Pilot Training Program?

The FAA Part 61 regulations require a minimum number of flight hours and a specific curriculum depending on the type of aircraft and your career goals. New pilots can take each course in the order that makes sense for them under Part 61. You could earn income as a flight instructor or commercial pilot while you complete additional coursework necessary to work for a regional airline.

Learning to fly at your own pace is the greatest advantage of FAA Part 61 flight school. Required hours of night flying, cross-country trips, and required takeoffs and landings are all included in these individual courses below:

  • Private Pilot License. As a first step, this course teaches all the basics and gets you up in the air with confidence. 15 hours of solo flight time and 35 hours of ground school are included.
  • Instrument Rating. This course teaches pilots to fly by instruments in low visibility, at night, and over water. 40 hours of dual flight time, 14 hours of IFR Dual Simulator training, and 15 hours of ground school are included.
  • Commercial Pilot. Obtaining your commercial pilot license allows you to carry paying passengers and is an add-on to your private pilot license. This course includes 10 hours of flight training and 10 hours of ground school.
  • Multi-Engine Add-On. To fly aircraft with multiple engines, you need this course. Training will take place in a twin-engine aircraft, and prepare you for bigger birds. 7 hours of flight training and 7 hours of ground training are required.
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). In order to train new pilots or start your own flight school, federal aviation regulations require this certification. 12 hours of dual flight time and 25 hours of ground training will meet the requirements.
  • CFI Instrument Rating. Teaching the advanced subject of instrument flight to new pilots requires a higher level of expertise. 40 hours of dual flight time, 14 hours of IFR Simulator, and 15 hours of ground school will qualify you for certification.
  • CFI Multi-Engine. To advance your flight instructor career, this course qualifies you for certification that allows you to train others on multi-engine aircraft. 7 flight training hours and 7 hours of ground training complete the package.

How Much Do Part 61 Pilot Schools Cost?

One of the strengths of the Part 61 route is the ability to budget for each course you need individually. Prices vary depending on how each student progresses in confidence and skill, but these prices are typical:

  • Private Pilot License: $8,460
  • Instrument Rating: $10,305
  • Commercial Pilot: $2,440
  • Multi-Engine Add-On: $3,500
  • CFI Certified Flight Instructor: $4,193
  • CFI Multi-Engine: $6,195
  • CFII (Instrument Rating): $10,305

Seeking Career Opportunities with Part 61 Pilot Training

The median pay for airline and commercial pilots in 2019 was $121,430.1 Making a small investment in yourself now can pay off quickly as your career takes flight.

Most professional pilots work their way up as flight instructors and commercial pilots of small aircraft until they have the experience and expertise that major airlines look for. Enrolling in the Part 61 program at Kingsky Flight Academy can help you get your career off the ground on your own timeline.

Sources:

  1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm