Guide · Training paths

Integrated vs modular pilot training, explained.

Before you pick a school, you pick a path. One full-time course or step by step? In the USA, Part 141 or Part 61? A license only, or a degree as well? Here is what each choice means and what it changes.

Last checked November 20265 min read

150 or 200 h Minimum hours for a CPL, integrated or modular
190 or 250 h Part 141 or Part 61, USA
195 h Flying in the EASA integrated ATP course
1,000 h Restricted airline license with an aviation degree, USA

01 Training paths

Three choices

How the training is organized: integrated, one full-time course, or modular, step by step.
In the USA, under which rules the school trains you: Part 141 or Part 61.
What you study for: a license only, or a diploma or degree as well.

02 Training paths

Integrated or modular?

Integrated means one approved course at one school takes you from zero to the license, full time. Modular means separate courses (private license, hour building, instrument rating, commercial license, ATPL theory), often at different schools and at your own pace. Europe (EASA) uses these terms; CASA in Australia and CAA NZ also have approved integrated courses.

Integrated and modular training compared.
	Integrated	Modular
How it works	One full-time course at one school	Separate courses, often at different schools
Minimum hours for a CPL (EASA, CASA, CAA NZ)	150	200
ATPL theory (EASA)	At least 750 hours of instruction in the integrated ATP course	At least 650 hours for holders of a private license
Flying (EASA)	At least 195 hours in the integrated ATP course, including progress tests	Hours add up module by module
Pace	Fixed plan, full time	Your own pace, can fit around work
Paying	One contract for the whole course	Course by course
Changing school	Harder, the course is one package	Easier between modules

Neither is better for everyone. Integrated is faster and needs fewer minimum hours. Modular spreads the cost and lets you keep working, but it needs more discipline. Both lead to the same license.

A third path, the multi-crew pilot license (MPL), is built around one airline's operation. Our guide to airline cadet programs explains it.

03 Training paths

Part 141 or Part 61 (USA)

Every US pilot license is issued under Part 61. Part 141 or Part 61 describes how the school trains you, not a different license. Part 141 schools train with an FAA-approved syllabus and regular stage checks. Part 61 training is more flexible and has no approved syllabus.

Minimum hours for the private license: 35 at a Part 141 school, 40 under Part 61.
Minimum instrument training for the instrument rating: 35 hours at a Part 141 school, 40 hours of instrument time under Part 61.
Minimum hours for the commercial license: 190 at a Part 141 school, 250 under Part 61.
If you need an F-1 or M-1 student visa, the school must hold FAA Part 141 or Part 142 certification to be allowed to enroll you.

Which visa you need: F-1 vs M-1 for flight training.

04 Training paths

A license only, or a degree as well?

Some schools combine flight training with a diploma or a degree. A degree takes longer, but in the USA it can lower the hours for the airline license (ATP):

Hours for the FAA airline license (ATP), airplane.
Route	Total flight time
Standard	1,500 hours
Bachelor's degree with an aviation major (at least 60 credit hours of aviation courses) from an FAA-authorized institution	1,000 hours (restricted ATP)
Associate degree with an aviation major (at least 30 credit hours), or a bachelor's degree with 30 to 59 credit hours	1,250 hours (restricted ATP)
Former military pilots	750 hours (restricted ATP)

The restricted ATP is for first officers. It becomes a full ATP once you meet all the normal requirements, including 1,500 hours. The reduction is a US rule: in the other systems in our guides, the airline license needs 1,500 hours either way. A degree program in the USA usually means an F-1 visa, which allows more work after training than an M-1.

05 Training paths

How to choose

How much can you pay, and when? Integrated training needs large sums in a short time. Modular spreads them out.
Can you train full time? If you need to keep working, modular fits better.
Where do you want to fly? The license system matters more than the path, because your home authority may only accept some schools.
Do you need a student visa for the USA? Then only a Part 141 or Part 142 school can enroll you.
Do you want a degree anyway? In the USA it can save hours later.

Types of pilot licenses How to convert your license at home

06 5 questions

Questions about training paths

Do integrated and modular training lead to the same license?

Yes. Both end in the same commercial license and, later, the same airline license. The difference is how you get there.

Copy link Still unsure? Talk to an advisor

What is the difference between Part 141 and Part 61?

Part 141 schools train with an FAA-approved syllabus and need fewer minimum hours for the commercial license: 190 instead of 250. Part 61 is more flexible.

Copy link Still unsure? Talk to an advisor

Can international students train at a Part 61 school?

Not on a student visa. To enroll F-1 or M-1 students, a school must hold FAA Part 141 or Part 142 certification.

Copy link Still unsure? Talk to an advisor

Does a degree help me become an airline pilot faster?

In the USA, an authorized aviation degree can lower the hours for the airline license to 1,000 or 1,250. Under EASA, CASA and CAA NZ the hours stay at 1,500.

Copy link Still unsure? Talk to an advisor