Part 141 Ground class and written FAA

[Helihead]

If you graduate, from a part 141 Private ground school do you have to take the written FAA test?

 

If you do have to take the FAA written test, what is the point of a part 141 ground school and there tests in the 141 course, ......is it to make sure you are ready to take the FAA test?

 

I already took the class and am an add on student so i dont need to take the private test, I just really never thought about it....

Edited April 4, 2008 by Helihead

[Autorotator]

Yes you do have to take the FAA written test prior to your checkride. If it is an add on than no you do not have to re-take it.

 

The reason for taking written tests at a 141 school is that they break up the course into three parts, or stages. They just want to know that you understand the information that has been presented to you during that stage before proceeding to the next stage. You will also do stage checks for the flight portion. Ususally the ground and flight "stage check" will be together on the same day. It's like a check ride for all the stuff covered in that stage.

 

The ground portion will usually consist of a written test and 1.5 to 2.0 hrs of oral examination. The flight will probably be about the same, covering maneuvers learned in that stage.

 

I personally think it's a great system. You see that you are making progress and it keeps you motivated.

[Node]

the 141 is designed to allow you to complete your training in the minimums (at least thats the idea). It has a structured syllabus that is certified by the FAA (as mentioned), and the school is held to more stringent oversight from the FAA than you would get if you were training under part 61. For example the solo requirements for 141 at the school I did my training at only required 5 hours of solo instead of the 10 that you would need under part 61. The x/c requirements were a little different as well. That doesn't change the fact that you still have to take the written test, no shortcuts for that.

 

As mentioned the only way to get out of the written test is if your doing a comparable add on, ie you have a commercial helicopter license and you get either a private or commercial airplane add on.

 

Also if you have VA benefits available then they usually require that you train under part 141 (at least thats what I've seen).

 

I did my private under 141 and commercial under 61. Either will get you there in the end!

 

Cheers!

[Helihead]

Ok, I thought you still had to take it, it is not going to apply for me, just a question I had.

How many people out there really get done in the min. amount of hours anyway, a handful, I think 61 is the way to go for private and then instrument 141, then back to 61 for commercial....... 141 seems to make you pass each flight lesson before you move on to the next which can add hours if your not on top of things, I haven't heard of many if any finishing in the min amount of hours. the extra 5 hours solo needed vs the 141, shouldn't bother anyone, it is PIC time anyway. which you need later on. any other opinions.

[goromadgo]

Us GI Billers have no choice (if we want to use the money that is)