Appalachian Flight Services

Let’s clear something up. 👇

There’s a lot of debate in aviation about Part 61 vs. Part 141 training. The truth is, neither path is “better” for everyone. Both are FAA-approved methods of earning your pilot certificates, and both have produced incredible pilots.

Part 141 schools operate under a highly structured curriculum with FAA-approved syllabi, stage checks, and strict training requirements that can actually limit a student’s exposure to valuable experiences and are often times over twice the cost of Part 61 programs. For some students, that environment and accountability is exactly what they need to succeed, but keep in mind, a school can’t issue you a certificate, only the FAA can!

Part 61 training (Appalachian Flight Services), on the other hand, offers flexibility and affordability. Training can be tailored to the individual student, adjusted to their schedule, and adapted to the way they learn best. It allows instructors to spend more time where it’s needed and move more quickly through areas where a student excels. For many people balancing work, school, family, or other commitments, that flexibility is invaluable. As a plus, you don’t need a college degree to become a pilot!

No one… not the FAA, aviation recruiters, or the airlines are asking whether you trained under Part 61 or Part 141 when you hand them your certificate. You don’t earn a “Part 61 license” or a “Part 141 license.” You earn an FAA certificate. The same FAA’s Airman Certification Standards, determine whether you’ve met the requirements to become a pilot.

The best training program isn’t the one with the flashiest marketing, newest equipment or the biggest name (along with highest costs). It’s the one that provides quality instruction, prioritizes safety, and helps you become a knowledgeable, competent, and confident aviator.

Choose the path that fits YOU. The destination is the same: becoming the best pilot you can be. ✈️

For more information about the differences between Part 141 and Part 61 see the resources below.

Looking for peace of mind before you buy?

Our experienced mechanics offer pre-buy inspections to help you make an informed decision before signing on the dotted line.
Whether you’re purchasing your first aircraft or adding to your fleet, we’ll thoroughly inspect the aircraft and give you an honest assessment of its condition so there are no surprises later.

Best of all, we’re willing to travel to inspect aircraft wherever they’re located!
Thinking about buying an airplane? Give us a call at 304-955-1901 and let our team help you buy with confidence. ✈️🔧

Could you land this airplane? Have you ever wanted to try?

Most people have never touched the flight controls.

In just one introductory flight, you’ll take the controls with an instructor and find out if flying is for you.

Ready to see what it’s like?

✈️ Send us a message or call to schedule your discovery flight‼️

304-955-1901

Appalachian Flight Services West Virginia Flight School and Maintenance Shop.
-Based at HTS and CRW.
-Adventure/Experience Based Training
-Private Pilot License
-Instrument Rating
-Commercial Rating
-CFI and CFII Training
-Accelerated Training
-Aircraft Rentals

🌟✈️ And last, but certainly not least, congratulations to Brad Curtis on earning his Instrument Rating!

Brad has shown tremendous perseverance throughout his training, and his hard work has paid off with this outstanding achievement. The Instrument Rating is one of the most challenging and rewarding ratings a pilot can earn, opening the door to safer and more capable flying.

We’re proud of Brad for sticking with it and reaching this milestone. Congratulations, Brad! 👏🛩️

🔥✈️ MASSIVE congratulations to Ryan Keith on passing his Commercial Single-Engine checkride!

Our students and instructors have been absolutely busy lately, and Ryan just added another huge accomplishment to the list. Earning a Commercial Pilot Certificate is a major step forward in any pilot’s career and represents a high level of skill, knowledge, and professionalism.

We’re incredibly proud of Ryan for all the hard work he’s put in to reach this milestone. The future is bright—congratulations, Ryan! 👏🛩️

Another one in the books!

Our students and instructors have been incredibly busy lately, and we’re excited to congratulate Andrew Robinson on earning his Private Pilot Certificate! 🎉

Andrew’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to training have paid off with this outstanding achievement. Becoming a pilot is no small feat, and we’re proud to have been part of the journey.

Congratulations, Andrew, and welcome to the skies! 🛩️👏

Happy birthday to our most picked on flight instructor! Things wouldn’t be the same without you Leland!

Lastly, but certainly not least, HUGE congratulations to Maggie Hill on passing her Private Pilot Checkride on May 19th! ✈️🎉

At just 17 years old she has already achieved something that most people only dream about—earning a Private Pilot Certificate. Her hard work, dedication, and determination have truly paid off.

We are extremely proud of her achievement and look forward to watching her continue to grow as an aviator. Congratulations, Maggie!

🎉✈️ Congratulations to one of our very own, Emma Chapman, on passing her CFI-I (Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument) checkride!

The CFI-I is an advanced instructor rating that requires a deep understanding of instrument flying, IFR regulations, procedures, and the ability to teach them effectively. It is a challenging achievement that represents a high level of aviation knowledge and professionalism.

What makes this accomplishment even more special is that Emma has earned every single one of her ratings right here at APP Flight. From her first lessons to now becoming an Instrument Flight Instructor, she has demonstrated outstanding dedication, work ethic, and commitment to excellence every step of the way.

We are incredibly proud of Emma and all she has accomplished. Congratulations, Emma—your APP Flight family is cheering you on! 🎊✈️

🎉✈️ A huge congratulations to one of our very own, Mr. Joe Jervis, on passing his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) checkride on the FIRST TRY!

The CFI is widely regarded as one of the most challenging checkrides in aviation, with a significantly lower first-time pass rate than most pilot certificates. Earning it on the first attempt is a testament to Joe’s knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to excellence.

Joe is an incredibly important part of the APP Flight team, and his hard work plays a major role in the success of our students and our program. We are proud to have him on our staff and excited to see the impact he’ll continue to make as a flight instructor.

Congratulations, Joe! Well deserved! 👨‍✈️✈️