Part 141 Aircraft Requirements

FAR 141.75 — Part 141 Aircraft Requirements

FAR 141.75 lists what must be on board Part 141 training aircraft: a pretakeoff/prelanding checklist and the manufacturer's operator handbook.

In Plain English

FAR 141.75 sets a short but important rule for any aircraft used in a Part 141 pilot school for flight training or solo student flights. Two items must physically be on board every time that aircraft is used for training:

A pretakeoff and prelanding checklist — to ensure students develop and use standardized procedures during critical phases of flight.
The operator's handbook (POH) for the aircraft, if the manufacturer furnishes one. If the school instead gives copies of the handbook to each student, those copies satisfy the requirement.

Why it matters operationally: checkride examiners and FAA inspectors expect Part 141 training aircraft to be properly equipped for instruction. Missing a checklist or POH on a training flight isn't just a safety issue — it's a regulatory violation that can ground the flight. As a student, confirming both items are aboard should be part of your normal preflight routine before every training or solo flight.

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 141.75

§ 141.75 Aircraft requirements. The following items must be carried on each aircraft used for flight training and solo flights: (a) A pretakeoff and prelanding checklist; and (b) The operator's handbook for the aircraft, if one is furnished by the manufacturer, or copies of the handbook if furnished to each student using the aircraft. [Docket 25910, 62 FR 40908, July 30, 1997]

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What documents or items must be carried aboard an aircraft used for Part 141 flight training or solo flights?

Per FAR 141.75, the aircraft must carry a pretakeoff and prelanding checklist, and the operator's handbook for the aircraft if the manufacturer provides one.

Q2If the school doesn't keep the operator's handbook in the aircraft, how can it still comply with FAR 141.75?

FAR 141.75(b) allows compliance by furnishing copies of the operator's handbook to each student using the aircraft, instead of carrying the original in the aircraft.

Q3Does FAR 141.75 apply only to dual instruction flights?

No. FAR 141.75 applies to each aircraft used for flight training and solo flights, so the checklist and operator's handbook must be aboard during student solo flights as well.

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Related Sections in Part 141

§ 141.1

Part 141 Applicability

§ 141.101

Part 141 Training Records