What have people found easier to get approved by FSDOs for a 141 Syllabus, Commercial produced (ie Jepp, Gleim, etc) or self-written? Working on redoing our syllabuses now.

Anybody find it varies based on POIs? We have a new POI and he seems to specialize in finding something wrong with it everytime.

 

We use the Jeppesen syllabus and modified it a little. What we do is - all the dual requirements first then come back to lesson 9 where the student works on solo. It gives the student a little more confidence in the plane and has worked well for us. Now the other issue is the POI...We have a new guy now, and yes he's reviewing everything and offering some changes.

 

Your POI will likely have some "suggestions". Based on previous experience, I would not attempt to start/run a 141 school unless I knew something about the POI in advance...he is too much of a factor in your business operations and livelihood.

 

Honestly, it is a Pain. We were told that we should just use one of the approved syllabus out in the market. But, we like our own. The result, a nightmare of yearly proportions. Some POI, no problem. Others, " why do you have so many stall lessons?"... Really???? ugh. Just make sure it is all worth the headache.. Good luck.

 

Like it's in the area with FAA in any other subject, your mileage will change according to the POI and the FAA. Ours likes Jeppesen.. We decided to go with Gleim because of their online approved ground courses and the cost of the material.. Now they are scratching their heads.. Survey some of the schools in the area and find out what they do .. Usually local concensus helps make things a bit smoother

 

OK guys, here's the deal...

The FAA FSDO POI is required to review and APPROVE the Part 141 Training Course Outline (TCO). The syllabus is only part of a TCO. The POI must accomplish this review and approval process in accordance with FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 3, Chapter 53. This document is public- ANYONE can read it. So the first thing I would suggest is that the person writing the TCO should read the inspector guidance. The TCO (normally) must meet or exceed the training times stated in 14 CFR Part 141 Appendicies. If this is the case, then the POI really should APPROVE the TCO without much time and effort.

If a Part 141 Pilot School desires to "customize" a Commercial, Off The Shelf Syllabus (COTS), it is permissible to do so. Any amendments to the syllabus must be stated in the TCO and be i/a/w Part 141 Appendicies.

If you have alot of "pushback" from the POI, I recommend you ask for a meeting with the POI's Supervisor. ENSURE that the TCO MEETS or EXCEEDS the Part 141 Requirements. If it does, you should have NO PROBLEM obtaining FAA Approval. Hope this helps!