Brian12

I've wanted to fly since I was a kid and I've decided to give it a shot. I've been up a couple of times before and the first time wasn't that great of an experience. The instructor didn't really seem like he cared and I questioned whether or not I wanted to fly after that initial experience . My second time up was much more enjoyable and the instructor really seemed to know his stuff and showed me quite a few things. I would have liked to have taken lessons from him but the company he worked for seemed shady. So I passed.

I was wondering if someone could tell me how to go about finding a good instructor? Also, what should I be looking out for so I don't get ripped off? I've been lurking on the board for a couple of days and I keep noticing people mentioning 141 and 61. Can someone tell me what this is? I know it has something to do with the structure of training. Any information that you could give me on how to start out would be helpful. By the way, I'm 29, single and I have no kids. Hopefully I'm not trying to start to late.
Thanks

Brian12

Almost forgot, can someone fill me in on Colorado Northwestern community college's flight program.

normajean21

i can at least tell u 141 and 61 is in reference to the federal aviation regulations book. aka FAR's basically it gives u all the rules and regulations in aviation of what u can and cant do. as far as the instructor. look around. its like shopping. see what u can find. report back to us and someone will respond.

Pilotpip

There's a ton of stuff on here on part 141 training versus part 61. The basics of it are this. Part 61 outlines the bare minimum required for the rating (hours, experience, etc) part 141 schools have training curriculum approved by the FAA.

Which is better? That is in the eyes of the beholder. Typically (not always) 141 schools are more expensive. The trade off is that part 141 reduces the number of hours required for commercial and instrument ratings. Part 61 was is a little more flexible because it only states the requirements, not the lessons within the course.

I did all my training part 141 with the exception of my CFI and CFII. I instructed under both parts. Any good instructor will follow a lesson plan to keep focused on the task at hand. I'll let everybody debate the pros and cons of each because I have no preference.


As for the flight school, go visit a couple. Hang out. Talk to the instructors and the students. See if you like what you see and if the customers are happy.