FAR 141.31 — Pilot School Applicability
FAR 141.31 covers personnel, aircraft, and facility requirements for Part 141 pilot schools, including the 6-month continuous use rule for airports and facilities.
FAR 141.31 sets the stage for Subpart C of Part 141 by defining what the subpart covers and what "continuous use" of a facility means for a Part 141 pilot school.
This section prescribes:
- The personnel and aircraft requirements for a pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate.
- The facilities (including the airport) that the school must have available on a continuous basis.
To meet the continuous use standard for any required facility — including the airport — the school must have one of the following on the date of initial application and on each renewal:
- Ownership of the facility or airport for at least 6 calendar months after the application or renewal date, or
- A written lease agreement for the facility or airport for at least 6 calendar months after the application or renewal date.
Why it matters: Part 141 schools offer a more structured, FAA-approved training environment than Part 61 operations. The continuous-use rule ensures students have stable, dependable access to classrooms, briefing areas, aircraft, and an airport throughout their training — a key reason Part 141 programs can qualify for reduced minimum flight hours.