FAR 141.45 — Ground Training Facilities
FAR 141.45 sets the ground training facility standards for Part 141 pilot schools, covering classroom conditions, distractions, and online training options.
In Plain English
FAR 141.45 sets the minimum standards a Part 141 pilot school (or provisional pilot school) must meet for the physical spaces where ground instruction is delivered. The rule exists to ensure students learn in an environment that supports concentration and meets basic health and safety expectations.
The regulation requires that:
- Each room, training booth, or instructional space must be heated, lighted, and ventilated in accordance with local building, sanitation, and health codes.
- The training facility must be located so students aren't distracted by instruction happening in other rooms or by flight and maintenance operations on the airport.
- If the training is delivered through an internet-based medium, those two physical-facility requirements don't apply — but the school must still maintain a permanent business location and a business telephone number in current status.
Operationally, this matters because Part 141 is built around structured, FAA-approved training. A facility that fails these standards can jeopardize the school's certificate and its students' progress.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 141.45§ 141.45 Ground training facilities.
An applicant for a pilot school or provisional pilot school certificate must show that:
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, each room, training booth, or other space used for instructional purposes is heated, lighted, and ventilated to conform to local building, sanitation, and health codes.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the training facility is so located that the students in that facility are not distracted by the training conducted in other rooms, or by flight and maintenance operations on the airport.
(c) If a training course is conducted through an internet-based medium, the holder of a pilot school certificate or provisional pilot school certificate that provides such training need not comply with paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section but must maintain in current status a permanent business location and business telephone number.
[Docket FAA-2008-0938, 76 FR 54107, Aug. 31, 2011]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What does FAR 141.45 require regarding the physical condition of a Part 141 ground training facility?
Per FAR 141.45(a), each room, training booth, or other space used for instruction must be heated, lighted, and ventilated to conform to local building, sanitation, and health codes.
Q2Where must a Part 141 training facility be located in relation to other activity on the airport?
FAR 141.45(b) requires the facility be located so students aren't distracted by training conducted in other rooms or by flight and maintenance operations on the airport.
Q3If a Part 141 school delivers ground training entirely online, does it still need to comply with the facility requirements?
No. Under FAR 141.45(c), a school providing internet-based training is exempt from paragraphs (a) and (b), but it must maintain a current permanent business location and business telephone number.
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Related Sections in Part 141