Part 61

Part 61 is the FAA regulation that covers how pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors get certified. Under Part 61, training is self-paced. You and your CFI set the curriculum rather than following a pre-approved syllabus.

Most independent flight schools and flying clubs operate under Part 61. The FAA minimum for a Private Pilot Certificate under Part 61 is 40 flight hours, though in practice most students need 60-70. The flexibility of Part 61 works well for students with irregular schedules.