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14 CFR Part 141 · Subpart A · General

14 CFR 141.5: Getting a Part 141 pilot school certificate

A school gets a full Part 141 pilot school certificate only after operating on a provisional certificate. Within the 24 calendar months before applying it must have an 80 percent first-attempt pass rate on its knowledge, practical and end-of-course tests and have graduated at least 10 different people.

Section last amended November 26, 2018 · Text current as of October 15, 2026 · Also cited as FAR 141.5 · Read it on eCFR

14 CFR 141.5 in plain English

  • Apply on the FAA's form, in the manner it prescribes. (a)
  • Have held a provisional pilot school certificate. (b)
  • Meet Part 141's personnel, aircraft, facility and course requirements for the ratings sought. (c)
  • Show an 80 percent or better first-attempt pass rate on knowledge tests, practical tests and end-of-course tests. (d)
  • Have graduated at least 10 different people from approved courses. (e)

Common questions

Do I need Part 141 to start a flight school?
No. Many schools train under Part 61, which has no school certificate. Part 141 brings approved syllabi, FAA oversight and lower minimum hours for some certificates, and it is often needed for students using VA benefits or student visas.
How long is the provisional period?
The full certificate needs the record built in the 24 calendar months before applying, so schools usually operate on the provisional certificate long enough to graduate 10 people.

Official text of 14 CFR 141.5

§ 141.5 Requirements for a pilot school certificate. Verbatim from the eCFR, current as of October 15, 2026.

The FAA may issue a pilot school certificate with the appropriate ratings if, within the 24 calendar months before the date application is made, the applicant:

(a)Completes the application for a pilot school certificate on the form and in the manner prescribed by the FAA;

(b)Has held a provisional pilot school certificate;

(c)Meets the applicable requirements under subparts A through C of this part for the school certificate and associated ratings sought;

(d)Has established a pass rate of 80 percent or higher on the first attempt for all:

(1)Knowledge tests leading to a certificate or rating;

(2)Practical tests leading to a certificate or rating;

(3)End-of-course tests for an approved training course specified in appendix K of this part; and

(4)End-of-course tests for special curricula courses approved under § 141.57.

(e)Has graduated at least 10 different people from the school's approved training courses.

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