If you've just started to look at local flight schools, you may start to hear terms like "part 141" or "part 61" in most cases. There are basically two types of private pilot aircraft schools and they've both controlled under different sections of the FAR/AIM (Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual).

Let's start with the most common flight training center you may encounter, the part 61 school. If you open up the FAR/AIM to part 61, you'll find it describes the experience and knowldege required to obtain your private pilot license (as well as your commercial and instructor license). What it doesn't do is tell you how your local flight school needs to operate. The FAA leaves that up to the flight school director. As long as you've met the flight requirements and obtained your training from a Certified Flight Instructor, you're ok to take your practical exam or "checkride" as it's often called.

Because "Part 61" flight schools aren't as closely regulated, the FAA requires more flight time of you as a student to ensure you're fully trained. At a part 61 school, the minimum time you need is 40 hours. Of course, you'll still need your dual, solo, night and cross-country time, but overall you need 40 hours.

The other aviation schools you will find are called Part 141 schools. These schools are closely regulated by the FAA according to part 141 in the FAR/AIM, hence the name. The FAA dictates exactly how a part 141 school should be operated, down to the minimum number of instructors they must have on hand and how the students will progress through the training.

Because the FAA maintains such strict control over the operation of a part 141 school, they do allow the students to finish up in 35 hours rather than 40. This can save you some time in obtaining your pilots license, but the reality is, it takes over 50 hours for the average student to be proficient enough to take their checkride or practical exam.

One area you may find an advantage is when you go to get your advancing ratings such as your instrument or commercial. The FAA doesn't require as much of a 141 school in these areas as well. For example, you don't need to have over 50 hours of cross-country PIC or pilot in command time before going for your instrument rating. That can save you a LOT of money.

The truth is, regardless of whether you pursue your license through a part 61 or part 141 flight school, it comes down to you and your motivation to get the most you can out of your flight trianing. You'll also want to make sure you have a good quality instructor who you get along with and is dedicated to helping you be a great pilot. Watch for the CFI's who are just building time before moving on to a "real job."