Part 61 vs. Part 141 Flight Schools: What’s the Difference?
Part 141 Flight Training is the number one method for Service Members and Veterans to conduct flight training using their Post-9/11 GI Bill® or other Veteran Benefits. Understanding the difference between Part 61 and Part 141 is important to know, as well as the difference between Part 141 Vocational Post-9/11 GI Bill® and Part 141 Collegiate Post-9/11 GI Bill®
Part 61 Flight School vs Part 141 Flight School
For Service Members and Veterans looking to use their Post-9/11 GI Bill®, Part 141 is a requirement for the VA to pay for your flight training:
Part 61 Flight Training
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- Less Structure
- No Ground School
- No Stage Checks
- Must Use Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)
- Can take up to 45 days to get on the schedule
Part 141 Flight Training
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- FAA Approved Curriculum
- Ground School Required
- Several Stage Checks and Mock Check Ride
- Can Use Internal Check Airmen
- Can be scheduled within a few days
Part 141 Vocational vs Part 141 Collegiate
For Service Members and Veterans using their Post-9/11 GI Bill®, you have two versions of Part 141 you can use to have the VA to pay for your flight training:
Part 141 Vocational
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- Quicker – Can start the next phase of training immediately
- Limited Funding – Only up to $15,000 per Academic year
- Funding – Reimbursement Based
- Out-of-Pocket Cost – High
- Housing Allowance – None
- Other Sources for Funding – Private Loans
Part 141 Collegiate
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- Paced – Must wait for the semester to start
- Expanded Funding – Up to $50,000 per Academic year.
- Funding – Lump Sum per Certificate
- Out of Pocket Cost – Minimal to none
- Housing Allowance – Yes
- Other Sources for Funding – STEM Extension, VR&E, FAFSA