Certificate required

This regulation establishes that operating a pilot school requires proper FAA certification. If you want to run a flight school that operates under Part 141 (which has structured, FAA-approved training courses), you must hold either a standard pilot school certificate or a provisional pilot school certificate issued by the FAA.

This matters because it distinguishes Part 141 schools from Part 61 flight training. Under Part 61, individual flight instructors can provide training without school certification. But if you advertise or operate as a "certificated pilot school" offering the benefits of Part 141 training—such as reduced hour requirements for certain certificates—you must have the proper certificate and follow all Part 141 rules.

Operating without the required certificate, or violating its terms, is illegal. This protects students by ensuring schools meet FAA standards for curriculum, facilities, personnel, and record-keeping.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*