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8. Under § 141.57, a part 141 pilot school may combine courses, but it would have to meet the requirements of each course, which also includes completion of the entire course before issuing a graduation certificate. A special curriculum course must contain features that can be expected to achieve a level of pilot competency equivalent in scope and depth to that achieved by the curriculum prescribed in the appendixes of part 141.
9. Under part 141 appendix L, the applicant would propose an approved course of training that includes the aeronautical knowledge areas that are needed to safely exercise the privileges of the certificate, rating, or authority for which the course is established. Refer to part 141 appendix L for the requirements for each approved course under this appendix.
10. Part 141 appendix M provides for the minimum curriculum for a combined private pilot certification and instrument rating course for airplane, airplane single-engine, airplane multiengine, rotorcraft helicopter, and powered-lift.
Refer to part 141 appendix M for the requirement for this combined course.
11. Under part 141 appendix I, the approval of one or more courses of training that results in the issuance of an additional aircraft category or class rating to an existing pilot certificate entitles the school to have “Additional Aircraft Category or Class Rating” placed on its school certificate.
12. Aircraft type rating courses for other than ATP Certificate (part 141 appendix J): A type rating in an airplane category, single-engine class; a type rating in an airplane category, multiengine class; a type rating in a rotorcraft category, helicopter class; and/or type rating in a powered-lift category.
2.4 TCO and Syllabus. Although not needed at the time the LOI is submitted, the applicant is encouraged to consider the TCO and syllabus required at the time the applicant makes a formal application for a course. By that point, the applicant must decide whether to develop and submit its own syllabus, or utilize the current version of a commercially produced and FAA-approved syllabus, and consider what actions will be needed in order to comply with the requirements of §§ 141.53 and 141.55. Chapter 3, Formal Application Phase, explains the requirements for the TCO and syllabus. Appendix B, Sample Training Course Outline and Syllabus, provides a sample TCO and syllabus submittal.
2.5 Training Records. Certificate holders must maintain current and accurate records on each student and instructor, and must understand what actions will be needed in order to comply with § 141.101. A description of the proposed recordkeeping system must be included in the LOI. Chapter 4, Document Compliance Phase, provides more detail regarding the requirements for the TCO, syllabus, and required student recordkeeping.
2.6 Aircraft. Each aircraft used for flight training must conform to § 141.39, and the makes and models (M/M) to be used in training must be included in the LOI. See Chapter 4 for more information on aircraft requirements.
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2.7 Contact With the Jurisdictional FSDO. After an applicant decides which ratings and associated courses it will seek, reviews part 141, and reviews all requirements for certification, it is highly recommended the applicant contact its jurisdictional FSDO and make an appointment to meet with a manager. The jurisdictional FSDO manager and assigned inspector will outline the part 141 certification requirements, aircraft requirements, and FAA policy and procedures. This is a time for the prospective applicant to ask questions, learn what is required to be certificated as a provisional pilot school, and learn what will be needed to maintain the part 141 pilot school’s certificate.
This is also a time for the jurisdictional FSDO to learn about the applicant and what resources will be needed in order to support the prospective applicant during the certification process.
2.8 LOI. To be eligible for a pilot school certificate, the school must meet the pertinent requirements of part 141, and apply in a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator (under § 141.13(a)). This includes submitting an LOI to the jurisdictional FSDO. Appendix A, Figure A-3, Sample Letter of Intent, shows a sample LOI. The LOI must include the following:
1. Statement of intent to become a certificated pilot school under part 141.
2. The company’s legal name and any doing business as (DBA) names, the principal operation’s base address, the primary airport address, the mailing address, telephone numbers, and email addresses.
3. M/M of aircraft, number of aircraft, numbers of each type of aircraft, and if available, aircraft registration numbers of the proposed part 141 pilot school’s aircraft.
4. Estimated date when operations are planned to begin.
5. Training courses to be offered and ratings requested with any training course(s).
6. Name and qualifications of a proposed chief instructor for each course, and name and qualifications of any assistant chief instructor(s), if applicable, for each course who will be employed by the proposed part 141 pilot school.
7. Training aids to be used, including computer programs, FFSs, FTDs, and/or ATDs.
8. Intent to use computers, tablets, or other electronic devices for course delivery or portions of course delivery, including the use of electronic recordkeeping and the use of tablets during the operation of an aircraft.
9. Recordkeeping methods, including electronic logbooks and other electronic data storage, and the proposed method of security with these devices.
10. Any intended use of tablets in order to provide students with copies of syllabi, to be used by students in flight courses or for student recordkeeping.
11. Three separate, three-letter designators (in order of preference) for use in LOAs and certificate management.
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2.9 FSDO Review of the LOI. Typically, the jurisdictional FSDO will review all submissions and provide feedback to the applicant within 30 business-days of receiving an LOI. The FSDO will determine if the LOI provides sufficient information for the certification process to continue. The preapplication phase ends and the formal application phase begins with receipt of the completed application. Chapter 3 discusses the formal application phase.
2.10 The Applicant’s Responsibility. It is the applicant’s responsibility to know, understand, and be prepared to comply with relevant parts of 14 CFR parts 61, 91, and 141. It is also the applicant’s responsibility to contact the jurisdictional FSDO for guidance, ask questions if something is not understood, and devote the necessary time, financial, and human resources during the certification process. Ultimately, the applicant is responsible to its prospective students to deliver quality instruction based on a well-thought-out course of instruction.
2.11 The Jurisdictional FSDO’s Responsibility. It is the jurisdictional FSDO’s responsibility to devote the time and resources to new and existing part 141 pilot schools and explain and answer questions the applicant may have. The FSDO will keep the applicant apprised on the status of their application.
2.12 Joint Responsibility. Together, the applicant and the jurisdictional FSDO, through the assigned personnel on the certification team, must work together in order for the application to result in the initial certification of a provisional pilot school. This joint responsibility does not end with the certification of a part 141 pilot school; rather, this joint responsibility is an ongoing process.
3-1 CHAPTER 3. FORMAL APPLICATION PHASE
3.1 General. The next step in the 14 CFR part 141 pilot school certification process is the formal application phase. This chapter will discuss what documentation must be submitted for consideration, and the appropriate format. For the formal application phase to begin, the applicant must submit all required documentation.
3.2 FAA Form 8420-8. The formal application phase begins when FAA Form 8420-8, Application for Pilot School Certificate, is submitted to the jurisdictional Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). This form may be obtained from https://www.faa.gov/forms/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/186278.
Preferably, the form is completed electronically in accordance with the instructions on page 2 of the form. Alternatively, the form may be completed in duplicate by paper (see Appendix A, Figure A-2, Sample Application for Pilot School Certification).
3.3 Requested Part 141 Pilot School Training Courses and Ratings. Each part 141 pilot school training course must be listed on FAA Form 8420-8. Because the process to certificate a provisional pilot school is complex, it is recommended that the applicant begin the certification process by requesting certification for one or two training courses only. After initial certification, part 141 pilot schools are encouraged to add more courses to its certificate as needed.
3.4 Signatures on FAA Form 8420-8. All applications must be signed, either in ink on paper or electronically. FAA Form 8420-8 contains information on who is authorized to sign the form. This depends on whether the applicant is an individual, partnership, corporation, company, club, or association.
3.5 Training Course Outline (TCO) and Syllabus. A TCO and syllabus is required for each course under a rating when the formal application is submitted. When the jurisdictional FSDO has approved the TCO(s), a letter of approved courses will be issued and the appropriate pilot or provisional school rating(s) will be placed on the Air Agency Certificate. The TCO describes the content of a particular course by statement of objectives, description of teaching aids, definition of evaluative criteria, indication of desired outcomes, and duties and responsibilities of chief instructor and other personnel.
The syllabus is an outline and summary of the topics to be covered in a training course.
Appendix B, Sample Training Course Outline and Syllabus, has a sample of a TCO and syllabus.
3.6 TCO. The TCO must include, at a minimum, the items listed in part 141, § 141.55. These items may be listed in the sequence from the regulation or in any sequence the applicant wishes. The syllabus may be a separate document or in the same book, as appropriate.
At a minimum, the TCO includes:
1. A description of each room used for ground training, including the room’s size and the maximum number of students that may be trained in the room at one time, unless the course is provided via an Internet-based training medium. This can be a textural description or a “to-scale” drawing of the
3-2 building or specific rooms. If future growth is expected and a larger hangar or more rooms are planned, this could be put in an appendix.
2. A description of each type of audiovisual aid, projector, tape recorder, mockup, chart, aircraft component, or other special training aids used for ground training, other than full flight simulators (FFS) or flight training devices (FTD).
3. A description of each FFS, FTD, or aviation training device (ATD) to be used for training.
4. The name and identifier of the airport at which training flights originate and a description of the facilities, including pilot briefing areas, that are available for use by the part 141 pilot school’s students and personnel. This is normally the home airport. It would be rare to originate training flights from a different airport, as this could involve a need for authorization of a satellite base.
5. A description of the type of aircraft, make and model (M/M), including any special equipment used for each phase of training. The aircraft list should indicate which are instrument flight rules (IFR) equipped and which aircraft are complex or high-performance for commercial pilot training. This would be a good list to place in an appendix of the TCO.
6. The name of the chief instructor, assistant chief instructor, and check instructor for each approved course.
7. The minimum qualifications and ratings for each instructor assigned to ground or flight training. See paragraph 3.23 for flight instructor requirements.
8. A training syllabus that includes the following information:
• The prerequisites for enrolling in the ground and flight portion of the course, including the pilot certificate and rating (if required by this part), training, pilot experience, and pilot knowledge.
• A detailed description of each lesson, including the lesson’s objectives, standards, and planned time for completion.
• A description of what the course is expected to accomplish with regard to student learning.
• The expected accomplishments and the standards for each stage of training.
• A description of the checks, stage exams, and end-of-course exams to be used to measure a student’s accomplishments for each stage of training.
9. When a part 141 pilot school or new applicant applies for ratings, the syllabus included in each of the TCOs will be reviewed carefully against the appropriate appendix in part 141. The content must support the objectives, be arranged in a logical sequence, and be attainable within the estimated stage and course times. To accommodate for individual learning differences and other situations, reasonable variances in the timeframe should be considered when determining the estimated timeframes of lessons, stages, or courses.
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3.7 Syllabus Location. The regulations require a TCO to contain a syllabus, but it does not state that the syllabus must be physically included in the TCO. The syllabus may be included as a chapter or an appendix. Part 141 pilot schools using a commercially produced syllabus may provide a copy in the TCO itself or refer to the syllabus by name and current version identification number. If the TCO is submitted electronically, the commercially produced syllabus may be submitted separately, reflecting what will be given to the students. Schools must update their syllabus each time a commercially available syllabus is revised by way of the new version identification number.
3.8 Formal Application Meeting. The FAA may decide to have a formal application meeting with the applicant. If the FAA meets with the applicant, the meeting may include, but is not limited to, the following:
• The application.
• The Schedule of Events (SOE), if applicable.
• Each TCO, syllabus, and curriculum.
• Personnel, including chief and any assistant chief instructors, aircraft, airports, and facility requirements.
• Electronic recordkeeping, signature, and/or manual systems.
• How approvals and authorization will be issued; this may include letters to the applicant or letters of authorization (LOA).
3.9 Electronic Recordkeeping/Manual/Signature Systems. Handwritten signatures, paper records, and paper manuals continue to be acceptable. However, an applicant may use electronic submissions, including submitting an electronic application (FAA Form 8420-8), electronic TCOs, and electronic syllabi, and may maintain a system of electronic recordkeeping. During the preapplication phase, the prospective applicant must inform the FAA of its intent to utilize electronic submissions for all TCOs, syllabi, records, and applications. One electronic TCO submission is equal to two paper copy submissions. As outlined in Advisory Circular (AC) 120-78, Electronic Signatures, Electronic Recordkeeping, and Electronic Manuals, applicants and certificate holders intending to use electronic recordkeeping, TCOs, syllabi, applications, training records, or other documents, must inform their jurisdictional FSDO prior to implementing an electronic system. To obtain authorization, the applicant or certificate holder must submit a letter to the appropriate jurisdictional FSDO describing the proposed computer and electronic system, including the proposed sections or revision to the part 141 pilot school’s electronic recordkeeping, TCOs, syllabi, applications, and other documents.
See Appendix A, Figure A-4, Sample Letter of Intent—Electronic Recordkeeping and Electronic Signature, for a sample Letter of Intent (LOI) to use electronic recordkeeping and electronic signatures.
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3.9.1 Remote Access. The FAA must be able to review the records, TCOs, syllabi, applications, and any other information stored electronically at the part 141 pilot school’s offices. The part 141 pilot school must make this information available to both FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) personnel when requested.
3.9.2 Requests. Certificate holders must provide any requested information to the NTSB in the event of an accident or incident. When a certificate holder is required to provide manuals or manual information to the FAA or NTSB, it should be provided in the desired format of the requesting agency whenever possible.
3.9.3 FAA Review of the Electronic Recordkeeping Proposal. If the proposed electronic hardware and computer software meet the guidelines of AC 120-78, the jurisdictional FSDO will note this acceptance.
3.9.4 Electronic Student Training Records. Electronic training records must meet the requirements of part 141, § 141.101. Pilot schools may provide electronic copies of training records, TCOs and syllabi, and course content to any student enrolled in an approved course of training. Upon request by the student, the school must provide a paper copy of the requesting student’s training record.
Note: This is as per § 141.101(e).
3.9.5 Technological Advances. Part 141 pilot schools should ensure all electronic system components are maintained to enable the retrieval of archived manuals. Future changes in data storage media may result in a need to replace current computer hardware or use another storage medium. Future systems must be able to retrieve archived technical data.
Otherwise, the certificate holder or operator will have to maintain the old system to ensure data availability.
3.10 Signature Authenticity/Verification. Electronic signatures are acceptable, provided the electronic signature has a method of security by ensuring it is difficult for another individual to duplicate or alter the electronic signature. An electronic system producing signatures must restrict individuals from affixing another individual’s signature to a record, record entry, document, or application. Through control and archives, the computer software must determine if the signature is genuine and if the individual is authorized to sign the document. For example, a proper signature affixed to an improperly created document, application, or record still results in a document, application, or record that may not meet regulatory requirements. A signature that is improperly applied to an otherwise legitimate document, application, or record still results in a document, application, or record that may not meet regulatory requirements.
3.10.1 Archiving Electronically Signed Documents. Since no paper document with an ink signature exists, a means of safely archiving electronically signed documents must be a part of any electronic signature computer software.
3.10.2 Procedures to be Established. The applicant must establish restrictions and procedures to prohibit the use of an individual’s electronic signature when the individual leaves or terminates employment. This should be done immediately upon notification of the
3-5 individual’s change in employment status. Procedures must also be established allowing a part 141 pilot school to correct documents signed electronically in error. The signature must be invalidated anytime a superseding entry is made on the same document.
The entry must be voided but remain in place. Reference to a new entry must be made and electronically dated and signed.
3.10.3 Nonrepudiation. An electronic signature must prevent a signatory from denying he or she affixed a signature to a record, record entry, application, or document. The more difficult it is to duplicate a signature, the likelier the signature was created by the signatory.
3.10.4 Traceability. The electronic signature must provide traceability to the individual who signed the record, record entry, application, or any other document.
3.11 FAA Acceptance of Electronic Recordkeeping, Signature, and/or Manual Systems.
The appropriate FAA inspector will review the electronic signature proposal, the proposed computer hardware and software system, and proposed procedures to check compliance with the guidelines of AC 120-78. If acceptable, the FSDO will provide the part 141 pilot school with an LOA.
3.12 Syllabus Content. Each syllabus should use a “building block” progression of learning, with provisions for regular review and evaluation at prescribed stages. Each applicant should develop training syllabi in a format similar to the Aviation Instructor’s Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9). Section 141.55 provides information on the requirements of each syllabus, including any prerequisites necessary for enrollment in the course, such as minimum pilot certificates and ratings. The required class of medical certificate or statement of no medical deficiency (required for glider or balloon courses only) should be included in the syllabus. Other information that should be included in the syllabus is as follows:
1. Any training, pilot experience, or special knowledge required for enrollment in the course.
2. A description of objectives and standards, and the measurable unit of student accomplishment or learning to be derived from the course.
3. Stages of training and the completion standards for each stage. The standards and objectives must be stated in relation to the performance expected of the student.
4. Lessons of training and the completion standards for each lesson.
The standards and objectives must be stated in relation to the performance expected of the student.
5. Objectives and completion standards must be included for the following:
• Course objectives that state in broad terms the knowledge and skill goals to be reached by the student at the end of the course.
• Stage objectives that state desired student goals in specific areas of knowledge and skill.
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• Lesson objectives that clearly specify the desired student outcomes for each lesson must be consistent with the objective of the stage and the course.
6. The scope of knowledge, procedures, and maneuvers each lesson includes are left to the discretion of the part 141 pilot school. In no case, however, may the completion standards be less than those outlined in the appropriate section of 14 CFR part 61, the appropriate Airman Certification Standards (ACS), or practical test standards (PTS).
3.13 Syllabi With Reduced Time Requirements. Only pilot schools, not provisional pilot schools, may submit a TCO with reduced time. A provisional pilot school that subsequently receives certification as a pilot school and has held that pilot school certificate for 24 months may request and receive initial approval for 24 months for a course with reduced time requirements, provided it does not hold examining authority in accordance with § 141.55(d) or (e), as appropriate. If a pilot school applies for a special course of airman training under § 141.57 with reduced training times, then that pilot school must comply with the provisions set forth in § 141.55(d) and (e).
In accordance with § 141.55(d)(3) and (e)(4), a pilot school may not be approved for examining authority for a special course of airman training that has been approved for reduced training times. A provisional pilot school may not apply for a special course of airman training with reduced training times under § 141.55(d) and (e).
3.14 Syllabus Stage Checks and End-of-Course Tests. The training syllabus must contain a description of the stage checks and end-of course tests used to measure a student’s proficiency at each stage of training. The applicant must submit copies of each stage check and the end-of-course test as part of the syllabus for each course. Part 141 appendices allow a certain amount of the time acquired during stage and end-of-course tests to be credited toward the aeronautical knowledge and training required by the particular rating being taught and can be included in the overall total training times.
3.15 Commercially Developed Training Syllabi. Commercial companies have developed training programs, including TCOs and syllabi, which have been reviewed by the General Aviation and Commercial Division (AFS-800) and appear to meet all of the requirements for specific training courses. Part 141 pilot school applicants are encouraged to use commercially developed courses, as many of these programs are well established.
However, applicants are cautioned that the jurisdictional FSDO has final approval authority for any TCO or syllabus submitted. Additionally, part 141 pilot schools must ensure their commercially produced syllabi are current, as they do change. For any change to a syllabus from the vendor, the part 141 pilot school must submit a revised syllabus to its jurisdictional FSDO for approval and an amended LOA.
1. Applicants must show that they understand and can apply the commercially developed training syllabus in the manner described in the syllabus, and the syllabus completely supports the rating being taught.
2. When a commercial syllabus is used, the part 141 pilot school must ensure the syllabus remains up to date. Only the FAA-approved version can be used.
In the event of a commercial syllabus revision, the part 141 pilot school must
3-7 receive approval for that revision. Any subsequent modifications to the commercially developed syllabus must be approved by the FSDO before the part 141 pilot school may use the modified syllabus.
Note: The applicant should be alert to changes in the course content by producers of commercially developed syllabi.
3. Commercially produced syllabi should be submitted to the FAA for approval a minimum of 30 days before the expected training begins. Refer to §§ 141.53 and 141.55.
3.16 Internet-Based Training. An applicant for a part 141 pilot school certificate seeking to utilize Internet-based training must comply with § 141.53(d), ensuring security, integrity, confidentiality, availability, access control, and identification/authentication of its Internet-based training course.
1. A part 141 pilot school may use a commercially produced Internet course if it meets all of the requirements of § 141.53.
2. The Internet training provider (ITP) will receive a letter from AFS-800 stating that its syllabus and content appear to meet the requirements of part 141.
3. The applicant for a part 141 pilot school may receive a letter from the ITP stating that its course appears to meet the FAA’s Internet-based requirements and meets the syllabus requirements of part 141.
4. The jurisdictional FSDO approving the TCO, which includes the syllabus, may use this letter in verifying that the Internet-based training meets the requirements of part 141. However, the jurisdictional FSDO retains the final authority for the approval of this ITP for use in the school’s TCO.
3.17 Training Agreements. A part 141 pilot school may elect to provide flight training to an institution of higher education. The training agreement could make the institution of higher education eligible under part 61, § 61.169 to receive an LOA for certifying its graduates for an ATP certificate under the academic and aeronautical experience requirements in § 61.160.
3.18 Chief Instructor. A part 141 pilot school is required to designate a chief instructor for each training course. The chief instructor is required to meet the appropriate requirements prescribed under § 141.35. The chief instructor may also serve as an assistant chief instructor. With the jurisdictional FSDO’s authorization, a chief instructor is allowed to serve in that capacity for more than one part 141 school.
1. The chief instructor, under § 141.85, bears the responsibility to certify each student’s training record, graduation certificate, stage checks, end-of-course test reports, and recommendation for course completion.
2. The chief instructor is responsible to ensure each certificated flight instructor (CFI), certificated ground instructor, or commercial pilot with a lighter-than-air rating passes an initial proficiency check in each M/M
3-8 of aircraft prior to that instructor being assigned instructing duties in the school’s approved training course. Additionally, the chief instructor is responsible to ensure each instructor passes a recurrent proficiency check every 12 calendar-months after the month in which the initial test was accomplished.
3. Section 141.85 states that the chief instructor is the responsible party to ensure “each student accomplishes the required stage checks and end-of-course tests in accordance with the school’s approved training course.” The chief instructor is also responsible to ensure the training techniques and standards for the school are acceptable to the Administrator. The authority for these tasks may be delegated, but the responsibility is always maintained by the chief instructor.
3.19 Assistant Chief Flight Instructor. Each part 141 pilot school must designate an assistant chief instructor for each of its satellite bases. In addition, one or more assistant chief instructors for a course or courses of training may be designated at any base if justified by the number of students involved, the complexity of the course, or the number of hours a day during which training is conducted. The assistant chief instructor must meet the requirements of § 141.36. With the jurisdictional FSDO’s authorization, an assistant chief instructor is allowed to serve in that capacity for more than one certificated school.
3.20 Chief Instructor and Assistant Chief Instructor Test. Prior to serving as a chief instructor or assistant chief instructor in a course, the jurisdictional FSDO will administer a knowledge test and a proficiency test in accordance with §§ 141.35 (chief instructor) and 141.36 (assistant chief instructor). This is a one-time event for a course and school for both the chief instructor and assistant chief instructor.
3.21 Chief Instructor and/or Assistant Chief Instructor Who Also Provides Instruction.
A chief instructor or assistant chief instructor who provides flight instruction in an aircraft must accomplish a proficiency check in each M/M of aircraft used in that training course and thereafter for each course of training the chief and/or assistant chief instructor participates in; and must comply with paragraph 3.23.
3.22 Chief and Assistant Chief Instructor Availability. The chief instructor or an assistant chief instructor must be available at the part 141 pilot school, or if away from the pilot school, be available by telephone, radio, or other electronic means during the time that training is given for an approved training course.
3.23 Flight Instructor Requirements. Part 141 requires all flight instructors to be qualified to teach each course of training to which they are assigned, and prescribes certain knowledge and proficiency tests to be accomplished prior to being assigned to an approved training course. If the chief instructor or an assistant chief instructor also provides flight instruction in the course they are assigned to, they must also comply with this section:
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1. The instructor must satisfactorily accomplish a proficiency check for each course of training taught.
2. This proficiency check is given to the instructor by the designated chief instructor, assistant chief instructor, or check instructor.
3. The instructor must accomplish a proficiency check every 12 months thereafter for each course of training in which the instructor instructs.
4. The certificate holder must maintain a record of these proficiency checks to show compliance with § 141.79(d).
5. The instructor must satisfactorily accomplish a one-time proficiency test in each M/M of aircraft (e.g., Cessna 150 or Cessna 172) before giving any flight instruction in the particular aircraft.
6. The chief instructor, assistant chief instructor, or check instructor must brief all instructors teaching that course on the objectives and standards of the course.
7. The certificate holder must maintain a record verifying this briefing to show compliance with §§ 141.79(d) and 141.81(c). The instructor must maintain records of instructor briefings and instructor proficiency tests required by §§ 141.79(d) and 141.81(c) in either a logbook or in the permanent school records at the home base of operations.
3.24 Flight Instructor Responsibilities. Student pilots cannot depart on a solo training flight unless an authorized flight instructor, who is present at the airport, has approved and released that solo flight. This should include a review of the weather conditions/forecasts and the student’s logbook, verifying that he or she is qualified to solo. Cross-country flights should be made to specific airports that the part 141 pilot school determines to be suitable. The part 141 pilot school may wish to provide students with a list of these suitable airports in its safety procedures guide. Solo cross-country flights, when properly dispatched from the originating airport, are considered to have approval for the entire flight (§ 141.79(b)). If unexpected weather or mechanical problems delay a student en route or a student intends to remain overnight, the part 141 pilot school should either:
• Arrange for another instructor based at the point of delay to dispatch the flight, or
• Have a part 141 pilot school instructor dispatch the flight electronically (via telephone, text, email, or fax).
3.25 Other Part 141 Pilot School Personnel. Section 141.33(a)(2) states that an applicant for a pilot school or provisional pilot school certificate may choose to use dispatchers, aircraft handlers, line crewmen, and servicemen, and a school may wish to use a flight instructor as a dispatcher or a ground instructor. These personnel must receive instruction in the procedures and responsibilities of employment. It is recommended that the school keep a record of this instruction in the employee’s personnel file. A school may elect to use verbal instructions, manuals, or any other means to ensure that dispatchers, aircraft handlers, line crewmen, and servicemen are knowledgeable and capable of performing their assigned duties.