164 records

How many flight hours does this certificate need under Part 61 and Part 141?

164 records, one fact each. Every value is transcribed from the source that states it and carries the sentence it was taken from: 9 sources across 1 site, last checked 2026-08-18, due for re-check by 2027-08-18. Every record is listed below, each linking the page its value came from.

Records164

Sources9

Verified2026-08-18

Review by2027-08-18

Licenceunknown

3 records where two or more sources state different values. Both sides are reproduced on the record page, each with its own source and quote.

About this data

The minimum flight-time and training-hour requirements for each FAA pilot certificate and rating, under Part 61 and under an approved Part 141 course, side by side, from the eCFR text of both parts. Answers 'how many hours for a private pilot license', 'part 61 vs part 141 hours', 'commercial pilot minimum hours part 141', and 'instrument rating hour requirements'. The pairs are easy to confuse and constantly mixed up by flight-school marketing pages: private 40 h (61.109) vs 35 h (141 Appendix B), commercial 250 h (61.129) vs 120 h (141 Appendix D), instrument 40 h instrument time (61.65) vs 35 h of instrument training (141 Appendix C). Both columns come from the same publisher (eCFR) but different parts — no single CFR page states the comparison, and the assembled versions online are flight-school lead-gen pages with no citations. The audience is someone choosing a training path for a purchase that runs $15k-$100k.

The data

Certificate or rating	Part 141 minimum	Part 141 appendix	Key sub-requirements	Part 61 minimum	Part 61 section
Additional aircraft category/class rating course ground training — airline transport pilot certificate	25-hour ground training course	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 3(d)
Additional aircraft category/class rating course ground training — commercial pilot certificate	15-hour ground training course for an additional class rating or a 20-hour ground training course for an additional aircraft category and class rating	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 3(c)
Additional aircraft category/class rating course ground training — private pilot certificate	10-hour ground training course for an additional class rating or a 15-hour ground training course for an additional aircraft category and class rating	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 3(b)
Additional aircraft category/class rating course ground training — recreational pilot certificate	10-hour ground training course	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 3(a)
Additional airplane category and multiengine class rating course — airline transport pilot certificate	25 hours of flight training in a multiengine airplane	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(b)(3)
Additional airplane category and multiengine class rating course — commercial pilot certificate	55 hours flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(b)(2)
Additional airplane category and multiengine class rating course — private pilot certificate	20 hours flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(b)(1)
Additional airplane category and single engine class rating course — airline transport pilot certificate	25 hours flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(a)(4)
Additional airplane category and single engine class rating course — commercial pilot certificate	55 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(a)(3)
Additional airplane category and single engine class rating course — private pilot certificate	20 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(a)(2)
Additional airplane category and single engine class rating course — recreational pilot certificate	15 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(a)(1)
Additional glider category rating course — commercial pilot certificate	4 hours of flight training in a glider	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(i)(2)
Additional glider category rating course — private pilot certificate	4 hours of flight training in a glider	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(i)(1)
Additional instrument rating	15 hours of instrument training if the course is for an additional instrument rating	Part 141 Appendix C, para. 4(a)(2)
Additional lighter-than-air category and a gas balloon class rating course — commercial pilot certificate	10 hours of flight training that includes eight training flights	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(f)(2)
Additional lighter-than-air category and a gas balloon class rating course — private pilot certificate	eight hours of flight training that includes 5 training flights	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(f)(1)
Additional lighter-than-air category and a hot air balloon class rating course — commercial pilot certificate	10 hours of flight training that includes eight training flights	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(g)(2)
Additional lighter-than-air category and a hot air balloon class rating course — private pilot certificate	eight hours of flight training that includes 5 training flights	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(g)(1)
Additional lighter-than-air category and airship class rating course — commercial pilot certificate	55 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(e)(2)
Additional lighter-than-air category and airship class rating course — private pilot certificate	20 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(e)(1)
Additional powered-lift category rating course — airline transport pilot certificate	25 hours flight training in a powered-lift	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(h)(3)
Additional powered-lift category rating course — commercial pilot certificate	55 hours flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(h)(2)
Additional powered-lift category rating course — private pilot certificate	20 hours flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(h)(1)
Additional rotorcraft category and a gyroplane class rating course — commercial pilot certificate	30 hours flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(d)(3)
Additional rotorcraft category and a gyroplane class rating course — private pilot certificate	20 hours flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(d)(2)
Additional rotorcraft category and a gyroplane class rating course — recreational pilot certificate	15 hours flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(d)(1)
Additional rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating course — airline transport pilot certificate	25 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(c)(4)
Additional rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating course — commercial pilot certificate	30 hours flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(c)(3)
Additional rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating course — private pilot certificate	20 hours flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(c)(2)
Additional rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating course — recreational pilot certificate	15 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(c)(1)
Agricultural aircraft operations course (special preparation)	15 hours of flight training on agricultural aircraft operations	Part 141 Appendix K, para. 6(b)
Aircraft type rating course — ground training	10 hours of ground training	Part 141 Appendix J, para. 3(a)
Aircraft type rating (other than ATP) — airplane multiengine	10 hours of training of which at least 5 hours must be instrument training in the aircraft for which the course applies	Part 141 Appendix J, para. 4(a)(2)	at least 5 hours must be instrument training in the aircraft for which the course applies
Aircraft type rating (other than ATP) — airplane single-engine	10 hours of training of which at least 5 hours must be instrument training in the aircraft for which the course applies	Part 141 Appendix J, para. 4(a)(2)	at least 5 hours must be instrument training in the aircraft for which the course applies
Aircraft type rating (other than ATP) — helicopter	10 hours of training of which at least 5 hours must be instrument training in the aircraft for which the course applies	Part 141 Appendix J, para. 4(a)(2)	at least 5 hours must be instrument training in the aircraft for which the course applies
Aircraft type rating (other than ATP) — powered-lift	10 hours of training of which at least 5 hours must be instrument training in the aircraft for which the course applies	Part 141 Appendix J, para. 4(a)(2)	at least 5 hours must be instrument training in the aircraft for which the course applies
Airline transport pilot — airplane multiengine	25 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix E, para. 4(a)
Airline transport pilot — airplane single-engine	25 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix E, para. 4(a)
Airline transport pilot course — flight time in class, airplane				50 hours of flight time in the class of airplane for the rating sought	14 CFR 61.159
Airline transport pilot course — ground training	40 hours of ground training	Part 141 Appendix E, para. 3(a)
Airline transport pilot course — helicopter flight time				200 hours of flight time in helicopters, which includes at least 75 hours as a pilot in command	14 CFR 61.161
Airline transport pilot course — instrument flight time, airplane			an applicant may not receive credit for more than a total of 25 hours of simulated instrument time	75 hours of instrument flight time, in actual or simulated instrument conditions	14 CFR 61.159
Airline transport pilot course — instrument flight time, helicopter			at least 50 hours are obtained in flight with at least 25 hours in helicopters	75 hours of instrument flight time in actual or simulated instrument meteorological conditions	14 CFR 61.161
Airline transport pilot course — instrument flight time, powered-lift			an applicant may not receive credit for more than a total of 25 hours of simulated instrument time	75 hours of instrument flight time in actual or simulated instrument conditions	14 CFR 61.163
Airline transport pilot course — instrument flight training within the course	15 hours of this flight training must be instrument flight training	Part 141 Appendix E, para. 4(a)
Airline transport pilot course — pilot in command time, airplane			(A) 100 hours of cross-country time; and (B) 25 hours of night flight time.	250 hours of flight time in an airplane as a pilot in command	14 CFR 61.159
Airline transport pilot course — pilot in command time, powered-lift			(i) 100 hours of cross-country time; and (ii) 25 hours of night flight time.	250 hours in a powered-lift as a pilot in command	14 CFR 61.163
Airline transport pilot — helicopter	25 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix E, para. 4(a)
Airline transport pilot — powered-lift	25 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix E, para. 4(a)
Airline transport pilot, restricted privileges — 30 to 59 aviation credit hours				1,250 hours of total time as a pilot	14 CFR 61.160
Airline transport pilot, restricted privileges — Associate's degree with an aviation major				1,250 hours of total time as a pilot	14 CFR 61.160
Airline transport pilot, restricted privileges — Bachelor's degree with an aviation major				1,000 hours of total time as a pilot	14 CFR 61.160
Airline transport pilot, restricted privileges — cross-country time allowed				200 hours of cross-country time	14 CFR 61.160
Airline transport pilot, restricted privileges — military pilot				750 hours of total time as a pilot	14 CFR 61.160
Airplane additional multiengine class rating course — airline transport pilot certificate	25 hours of training in a multiengine airplane	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(k)(3)
Airplane additional multiengine class rating course — commercial pilot certificate	10 hours of training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(k)(2)
Airplane additional multiengine class rating course — private pilot certificate	3 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(k)(1)
Airplane additional single engine class rating course — airline transport pilot certificate	25 hours flight training in a single engine airplane	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(j)(3)
Airplane additional single engine class rating course — commercial pilot certificate	10 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(j)(2)
Airplane additional single engine class rating course — private pilot certificate	3 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(j)(1)
Combined private pilot certification and instrument rating — airplane multiengine	70 hours of training	Part 141 Appendix M, para. 4(a)
Combined private pilot certification and instrument rating — airplane single-engine	70 hours of training	Part 141 Appendix M, para. 4(a)
Combined private pilot certification and instrument rating course — ground training	65 hours of ground training	Part 141 Appendix M, para. 3(a)
Combined private pilot certification and instrument rating course solo flight training — airplane single-engine	Five hours of flying solo in a single-engine airplane	Part 141 Appendix M, para. 5
Combined private pilot certification and instrument rating course solo flight training — airplane multiengine	Five hours of flying solo in a multiengine airplane or 5 hours of performing the duties of a pilot in command while under the supervision of an authorized instructor	Part 141 Appendix M, para. 5
Combined private pilot certification and instrument rating course solo flight training — helicopter	Five hours of flying solo in a helicopter	Part 141 Appendix M, para. 5
Combined private pilot certification and instrument rating — helicopter	70 hours of training	Part 141 Appendix M, para. 4(a)
Combined private pilot certification and instrument rating — powered-lift	70 hours of training	Part 141 Appendix M, para. 4(a)
Commercial pilot — airplane multiengine			100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes. (2) 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least— (i) 50 hours in airplanes; and (ii) 50 hours in cross-country flight of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes	250 hours of flight time as a pilot	14 CFR 61.129(b)
Commercial pilot — airplane single-engine			100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes. (2) 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least— (i) 50 hours in airplanes; and (ii) 50 hours in cross-country flight of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes	250 hours of flight time as a pilot	14 CFR 61.129(a)
Commercial pilot — airship			50 hours in airships. ( 2 ) Thirty hours of pilot in command flight time in airships or performing the duties of pilot in command in an airship with an authorized instructor aboard	200 hours of flight time as a pilot	14 CFR 61.129(g)
Commercial pilot — balloon			20 hours in balloons; (2) 10 flights in balloons; (3) Two flights in balloons as the pilot in command	35 hours of flight time as a pilot	14 CFR 61.129(h)
Commercial pilot course ground training — airplane or powered-lift	35 hours of training if the course is for an airplane category rating or a powered-lift category rating	Part 141 Appendix D, para. 3(a) (Aeronautical knowledge training)
Commercial pilot course ground training — airship	65 hours of training if the course is for a lighter-than-air category with an airship class rating	Part 141 Appendix D, para. 3(a) (Aeronautical knowledge training)
Commercial pilot course ground training — balloon	20 hours of training if the course is for lighter-than-air category with a balloon class rating	Part 141 Appendix D, para. 3(a) (Aeronautical knowledge training)
Commercial pilot course ground training — glider	20 hours of training if the course is for a glider category rating	Part 141 Appendix D, para. 3(a) (Aeronautical knowledge training)
Commercial pilot course ground training — rotorcraft	30 hours of training if the course is for a rotocraft category rating	Part 141 Appendix D, para. 3(a) (Aeronautical knowledge training)
Commercial pilot course solo flight training — airplane multiengine	Ten hours of solo flight time in a multiengine airplane, or 10 hours of flight time while performing the duties of pilot in command in a multiengine airplane with an authorized instructor on board	Part 141 Appendix D, para. 5
Commercial pilot course solo flight training — airplane single-engine	Ten hours of solo flight time in a single engine airplane, or 10 hours of flight time while performing the duties of pilot in command in a single engine airplane with an authorized instructor on board	Part 141 Appendix D, para. 5
Commercial pilot course solo flight training — airship	10 hours of flight training in an airship performing the duties of pilot in command while under the supervision of a commercial pilot with an airship rating	Part 141 Appendix D, para. 5
Commercial pilot course solo flight training — balloon	Two solo flights if the course is for a hot air balloon rating, or, if the course is for a gas balloon rating, at least two flights in a gas balloon, while performing the duties of pilot in command under the supervision of a commercial pilot with a balloon rating	Part 141 Appendix D, para. 5
Commercial pilot course solo flight training — glider	5 solo flights in a glider	Part 141 Appendix D, para. 5
Commercial pilot course solo flight training — gyroplane	Ten hours of solo flight time in a gyroplane, or 10 hours of flight time while performing the duties of pilot in command in a gyroplane with an authorized instructor on board	Part 141 Appendix D, para. 5
Commercial pilot course solo flight training — helicopter	Ten hours of solo flight time in a helicopter, or 10 hours of flight time while performing the duties of pilot in command in a helicopter with an authorized instructor on board	Part 141 Appendix D, para. 5
Commercial pilot course solo flight training — powered-lift	Ten hours of solo flight time in a powered-lift, or 10 hours of flight time while performing the duties of pilot in command in a powered-lift with an authorized instructor on board	Part 141 Appendix D, para. 5
Commercial pilot — glider				25 hours of flight time as a pilot in a glider and that flight time must include at least 100 flights in a glider as pilot in command	14 CFR 61.129(f)(1)
Commercial pilot — glider (applicant with 200 hours in heavier-than-air aircraft)				200 hours of flight time as a pilot in heavier-than-air aircraft and at least 20 flights in a glider as pilot in command	14 CFR 61.129(f)(2)
Commercial pilot — gyroplane			100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 25 hours must be in gyroplanes. (2) 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least— (i) 10 hours in gyroplanes; and (ii) 3 hours in cross-country flight in gyroplanes	150 hours of flight time as a pilot (of which 5 hours may have been accomplished in a full flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of a gyroplane)	14 CFR 61.129(d)
Commercial pilot — helicopter			100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in helicopters. (2) 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least— (i) 35 hours in helicopters; and (ii) 10 hours in cross-country flight in helicopters	150 hours of flight time as a pilot	14 CFR 61.129(c)
Commercial pilot — powered-lift			100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in a powered-lift. (2) 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least— (i) 50 hours in a powered-lift; and (ii) 50 hours in cross-country flight of which 10 hours must be in a powered-lift	250 hours of flight time as a pilot	14 CFR 61.129(e)
Flight instructor — airplane multiengine	25 hours, if the course is for an airplane, rotorcraft, or powered-lift rating	Part 141 Appendix F, para. 4(a)(1)
Flight instructor — airplane single-engine	25 hours, if the course is for an airplane, rotorcraft, or powered-lift rating	Part 141 Appendix F, para. 4(a)(1)
Flight instructor course ground training — additional rating	20 hours of training if the course is for an additional flight instructor rating	Part 141 Appendix F, para. 3(a)(2)
Flight instructor course ground training — initial certificate	40 hours of training if the course is for an initial issuance of a flight instructor certificate	Part 141 Appendix F, para. 3(a)(1)
Flight instructor — glider	10 hours, which must include 10 flights, if the course is for a glider category rating	Part 141 Appendix F, para. 4(a)(2)	10 hours, which must include 10 flights
Flight instructor — gyroplane	25 hours, if the course is for an airplane, rotorcraft, or powered-lift rating	Part 141 Appendix F, para. 4(a)(1)
Flight instructor — helicopter	25 hours, if the course is for an airplane, rotorcraft, or powered-lift rating	Part 141 Appendix F, para. 4(a)(1)
Flight instructor instrument — airplane	15 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix G, para. 4(a)
Flight instructor instrument course — ground training	15 hours of ground training	Part 141 Appendix G, para. 3(a)
Flight instructor instrument — helicopter	15 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix G, para. 4(a)
Flight instructor instrument — powered-lift	15 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix G, para. 4(a)
Flight instructor — powered-lift	25 hours, if the course is for an airplane, rotorcraft, or powered-lift rating	Part 141 Appendix F, para. 4(a)(1)
Flight instructor refresher course (special preparation)	a combined total of 16 hours of aeronautical knowledge training, flight training, or any combination of ground and flight training	Part 141 Appendix K, para. 11
Ground instructor — additional rating	10 hours of training if the course is for an additional ground instructor rating	Part 141 Appendix H, para. 2(a)(2)
Ground instructor — initial certificate	20 hours of training if the course is for an initial issuance of a ground instructor certificate	Part 141 Appendix H, para. 2(a)(1)
Ground instructor refresher course (special preparation)	16 hours of aeronautical knowledge training	Part 141 Appendix K, para. 12
Instrument rating — airplane			50 hours of cross-country time as pilot in command, of which 10 hours must have been in an airplane	Forty hours of actual or simulated instrument time in the areas of operation listed in paragraph (c) of this section, of which 15 hours must have been received from an authorized instructor who holds an instrument-airplane rating	14 CFR 61.65(d)(2)
Instrument rating course ground training — additional rating	20 hours of training if the course is for an additional instrument rating	Part 141 Appendix C, para. 3(a)(2)
Instrument rating course ground training — initial rating	30 hours of training if the course is for an initial instrument rating	Part 141 Appendix C, para. 3(a)(1)
Instrument rating — helicopter			50 hours of cross-country time as pilot in command, of which 10 hours must have been in a helicopter	Forty hours of actual or simulated instrument time in the areas of operation listed under paragraph (c) of this section, of which 15 hours must have been with an authorized instructor who holds an instrument-helicopter rating	14 CFR 61.65(e)(2)
Instrument rating — powered-lift			50 hours of cross-country time as pilot in command, of which 10 hours must have been in a powered-lift	Forty hours of actual or simulated instrument time in the areas of operation listed under paragraph (c) of this section, of which 15 hours must have been received from an authorized instructor who holds an instrument-powered-lift rating	14 CFR 61.65(f)(2)
Lighter-than-air additional airship class rating course — commercial pilot certificate	55 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(n)(2)
Lighter-than-air additional airship class rating course — private pilot certificate	20 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(n)(1)
Lighter-than-air additional gas balloon class rating course — commercial pilot certificate	10 hours of flight training that includes eight training flights	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(o)(2)
Lighter-than-air additional gas balloon class rating course — private pilot certificate	eight hours of flight training that includes 5 training flights	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(o)(1)
Lighter-than-air additional hot air balloon class rating course — commercial pilot certificate	10 hours of flight training that includes eight training flight	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(p)(2)
Lighter-than-air additional hot air balloon class rating course — private pilot certificate	8 hours of flight training that includes 5 training flights	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(p)(1)
Part 141 assistant chief instructor — all other courses	At least 1,000 hours as pilot in command	14 CFR 141.36(d)	consisting of at least— (i) 11⁄2 years and a total of 500 flight hours; or (ii) 750 flight hours.
Part 141 assistant chief instructor — ground school course	6 months of experience as a ground school instructor at a certificated pilot school	14 CFR 141.36(e)
Part 141 assistant chief instructor — instrument rating courses	At least 50 hours of flight time under actual or simulated instrument conditions; (2) At least 500 hours as pilot in command	14 CFR 141.36(c)	consisting of at least— (i) 1 year and a total of 125 flight hours; or (ii) 200 flight hours.
Part 141 assistant chief instructor — recreational and private pilot courses	At least 500 hours as pilot in command	14 CFR 141.36(b)	consisting of at least— (i) 1 year and a total of 250 flight hours; or (ii) 500 flight hours.
Part 141 chief instructor — all other courses	At least 2,000 hours as pilot in command	14 CFR 141.35(d)	consisting of at least— (i) 3 years and a total of 1,000 flight hours; or (ii) 1,500 flight hours.
Part 141 chief instructor — ground school course	1 year of experience as a ground school instructor at a certificated pilot school	14 CFR 141.35(e)
Part 141 chief instructor — instrument rating courses	At least 100 hours of flight time under actual or simulated instrument conditions; (2) At least 1,000 hours as pilot in command	14 CFR 141.35(c)	consisting of at least— (i) 2 years and a total of 250 flight hours; or (ii) 400 flight hours.
Part 141 chief instructor — recreational and private pilot courses	At least 1,000 hours as pilot in command	14 CFR 141.35(b)	consisting of at least— (i) 2 years and a total of 500 flight hours; or (ii) 1,000 flight hours.
Pilot refresher course (special preparation)	6 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix K, para. 10(b)
Pilot refresher course (special preparation) — ground training	4 hours of aeronautical knowledge training	Part 141 Appendix K, para. 10(a)
Private pilot — airplane multiengine			at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training	40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training	14 CFR 61.109(b)
Private pilot — airplane single-engine			at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training	40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training	14 CFR 61.109(a)
Private pilot — airship				25 hours of flight training in airships	14 CFR 61.109(g)
Private pilot — balloon			includes at least six training flights with an authorized instructor	10 hours of flight training that includes at least six training flights with an authorized instructor	14 CFR 61.109(h)
Private pilot course ground training — airplane, rotorcraft or powered-lift	35 hours of training if the course is for an airplane, rotorcraft, or powered-lift category rating	Part 141 Appendix B, para. 3(a) (Aeronautical knowledge training)
Private pilot course ground training — airship	35 hours of training if the course is for a lighter-than-air category with an airship class rating	Part 141 Appendix B, para. 3(a) (Aeronautical knowledge training)
Private pilot course ground training — balloon	10 hours of training if the course is for a lighter-than-air category with a balloon class rating	Part 141 Appendix B, para. 3(a) (Aeronautical knowledge training)
Private pilot course ground training — glider	15 hours of training if the course is for a glider category rating	Part 141 Appendix B, para. 3(a) (Aeronautical knowledge training)
Private pilot course solo flight training — airplane multiengine	5 hours of flight training in a multiengine airplane performing the duties of a pilot in command while under the supervision of a certificated flight instructor	Part 141 Appendix B, para. 5
Private pilot course solo flight training — airplane single-engine	5 hours of solo flight training in a single-engine airplane	Part 141 Appendix B, para. 5	One solo 100 nautical miles cross country flight with landings at a minimum of three points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations
Private pilot course solo flight training — airship	5 hours of flight training in an airship performing the duties of pilot in command while under the supervision of a commercial pilot with an airship rating	Part 141 Appendix B, para. 5
Private pilot course solo flight training — balloon	Two solo flights in a balloon with an airborne heater	Part 141 Appendix B, para. 5
Private pilot course solo flight training — glider	Two solo flights in a glider	Part 141 Appendix B, para. 5
Private pilot course solo flight training — gyroplane	5 hours of solo flight training in gyroplanes	Part 141 Appendix B, para. 5	One solo 100 nautical miles cross country flight with landings at a minimum of three points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations
Private pilot course solo flight training — helicopter	5 hours of solo flight training in a helicopter	Part 141 Appendix B, para. 5	One solo 100 nautical miles cross country flight with landings at a minimum of three points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations
Private pilot course solo flight training — powered-lift	5 hours of solo flight training in a powered-lift	Part 141 Appendix B, para. 5	One solo 100 nautical miles cross country flight with landings at a minimum of three points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations
Private pilot — glider			has not logged at least 40 hours of flight time as a pilot in a heavier-than-air aircraft	10 hours of flight time in a glider	14 CFR 61.109(f)(1)
Private pilot — glider (applicant with 40 hours in heavier-than-air aircraft)			logged at least 40 hours of flight time in a heavier-than-air aircraft	3 hours of flight time in a glider	14 CFR 61.109(f)(2)
Private pilot — gyroplane			at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training	40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training	14 CFR 61.109(d)
Private pilot — helicopter			at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training	40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training	14 CFR 61.109(c)
Private pilot — powered-lift			at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training	40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training	14 CFR 61.109(e)
Private pilot — powered parachute			at least 10 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor, including 30 takeoffs and landings, and 10 hours of solo flight training	25 hours of flight time in a powered parachute that includes at least 10 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor, including 30 takeoffs and landings, and 10 hours of solo flight training	14 CFR 61.109(i)
Private pilot — weight-shift-control aircraft			at least 20 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training	40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training	14 CFR 61.109(j)
Recreational pilot — airplane single-enginesources differ	30 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix A, para. 4(a)	15 hours must be with a certificated flight instructor and 3 hours must be solo flight training as provided in section No. 5 of this appendix
Recreational pilot course — ground training	20 hours of ground training	Part 141 Appendix A, para. 3
Recreational pilot course — solo flight training	3 hours of solo flight training	Part 141 Appendix A, para. 5
Recreational pilot — gyroplanesources differ	30 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix A, para. 4(a)	15 hours must be with a certificated flight instructor and 3 hours must be solo flight training as provided in section No. 5 of this appendix
Recreational pilot — helicoptersources differ	30 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix A, para. 4(a)	15 hours must be with a certificated flight instructor and 3 hours must be solo flight training as provided in section No. 5 of this appendix
Rotorcraft additional gyroplane class rating course — commercial pilot certificate	5 hours flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(m)(3)
Rotorcraft additional gyroplane class rating course — private pilot certificate	3 hours flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(m)(2)
Rotorcraft additional gyroplane class rating course — recreational pilot certificate	3 hours flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(m)(1)
Rotorcraft additional helicopter class rating course — airline transport pilot certificate	25 hours of flight training in a helicopter	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(l)(4)
Rotorcraft additional helicopter class rating course — commercial pilot certificate	5 hours flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(l)(3)
Rotorcraft additional helicopter class rating course — private pilot certificate	3 hours flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(l)(2)
Rotorcraft additional helicopter class rating course — recreational pilot certificate	3 hours of flight training	Part 141 Appendix I, para. 4(l)(1)
Rotorcraft external-load operations course (special preparation)	15 hours of flight training on external-load operations	Part 141 Appendix K, para. 7(b)
Test pilot course (special preparation)	15 hours of flight training on test pilot duties and responsibilities	Part 141 Appendix K, para. 8(b)

Where this came from

Every record above links the page it was taken from and quotes the sentence that states it. These are the 9 sources this dataset was assembled from.

ecfr.govhttps://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-141
ecfr.govhttps://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-61/subpart-G/section-61.159
ecfr.govhttps://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-61/subpart-G/section-61.161
ecfr.govhttps://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-61/subpart-G/section-61.163
ecfr.govhttps://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-61/subpart-G/section-61.160
ecfr.govhttps://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-61/subpart-F/section-61.129
ecfr.govhttps://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-61/subpart-B/section-61.65
ecfr.govhttps://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-61/subpart-E/section-61.109
ecfr.govhttps://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-61/subpart-D/section-61.99

Machine-readable

data.jsonThe whole dataset — every record with its source URL and source quote.
Open Knowledge Format bundleOne JSON object per line — every record's frontmatter and quoted span exactly as it is held here, in one fetch.
data.csvThe same records as one flat table, for a spreadsheet or a dataframe. The last four columns are the source URL, the quoted sentence it was read from, the date we last checked it, and which columns are our reading rather than the page's words.
How this is made and checkedWhat "verified against source" does and does not mean.

From your own code

Same records, same quotes, without scraping the page: refsource is on PyPI and npm. Each value comes back carrying the URL it was read from and the sentence on that page that states it — .source and .quote sit on the value itself rather than in a side channel, so the checking step is available instead of skipped.

pip install refsource
refsource lookup flight-training-hour-minimums-61-vs-141 part_141_minimum="25-hour ground training course"

npx -y refsource lookup flight-training-hour-minimums-61-vs-141 part_141_minimum="25-hour ground training course"

Set your AI assistant up to use this

Two files and no account. Put this in .mcp.json at the root of your project — Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code and Codex all read that file — and your assistant can look this dataset up instead of recalling it. The server is remote, keyless and read-only.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "referencesource": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Add to Cursor · or, on the command line: claude mcp add --transport http referencesource https://referencesource.org/mcp --scope project

Then one line in the project's CLAUDE.md or AGENTS.md, so the assistant knows when to reach for it:

When a question needs "FAA flight training hour minimums: Part 61 vs Part 141, by certificate and rating", call the referencesource MCP server at https://referencesource.org/mcp (tool `search_records`, dataset_slug `flight-training-hour-minimums-61-vs-141`) instead of answering from memory — every record it returns carries its source URL and a verbatim quote from that page.

What each tool does, and the servers built over single registers: Connect your AI assistant.

164 records. last verified against source 2026-08-18. due for re-check by 2027-08-18.

Licence. unknown