Special curricula

This regulation allows pilot schools to create and get approval for custom training courses that aren't covered by the standard FAA curricula in Part 141's appendices.

If a school wants to offer specialized training—perhaps for a unique aircraft type, advanced aerobatic instruction, or other non-standard programs—they can apply for approval as long as they demonstrate their course will produce pilots with skills equivalent to what the standard Part 141 curricula or Part 61 requirements would achieve.

This matters because it gives Part 141 schools flexibility to innovate and offer specialized training while maintaining FAA oversight. The school must prove their custom curriculum meets equivalent proficiency standards, ensuring safety and quality aren't compromised. Without this provision, schools would be limited only to the specific courses outlined in Part 141's appendices, potentially restricting valuable specialized training opportunities.

*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.*