FAR 141.21 — Part 141 Inspections
FAR 141.21 requires Part 141 pilot schools to allow FAA inspections of personnel, facilities, equipment, and records. Learn what's checked and why.
FAR 141.21 requires every Part 141 pilot school (certificate holder) to allow the FAA Administrator to inspect the school at any time. The inspection can cover four areas:
- Personnel — instructors and other staff
- Facilities — classrooms, briefing rooms, and training premises
- Equipment — aircraft, simulators, and training aids
- Records — student records, training files, and other required documentation
These inspections exist so the FAA can verify three things about the school:
- It remains eligible to hold its Part 141 certificate
- It is complying with 49 U.S.C. 40101 (formerly the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended)
- It is complying with the Federal Aviation Regulations
Why it matters operationally: A Part 141 school's certificate is a privilege, not a right. Refusing or obstructing an FAA inspection puts that certificate — and the structured curriculum benefits students rely on (like reduced minimum flight hours) — at risk. As a student, you may see FAA inspectors on site reviewing training records, and your school must cooperate fully.