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Behind the PropAuthor: Bobby Doss, Wally Mulhearn
Behind the Prop is the Podcast for anyone involved in aviation from general aviation to professional pilots. Our hosts Bobby Doss is the owner of a flight school in Houston, Texas, and Wally Mulhearn is a pilot for a major airline and is also a designated pilot examiner (DPE) based in Houston, Texas. Weekly they tell stories, share lessons and tips from behind the prop. Together they have over 24,400 hours of flight time (Wally has over 24,000 of those) and collectively they provide very unique perspectives on general aviation, airplanes, and all things aviation. Language: en Genres: Aviation, Hobbies, Leisure Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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E188 - The Real Part 141- Busting Myths and Debunking Mysteries
Episode 194
Monday, 23 February, 2026
In this episode of Behind the Prop, Bobby Doss and Wally Mulhern are joined by United Flight Systems Vice President Jay Robinson to break down one of the most debated topics in flight training: Part 61 vs. Part 141. If you’ve spent any time researching flight schools, you’ve likely heard strong opinions—141 is faster, cheaper, more structured… or maybe rigid and bureaucratic. So what’s actually true? The answer: it depends on the student, not just the regulation. This episode dives deep into the biggest misconceptions surrounding both training paths. The team explains that while Part 141 offers structure and FAA oversight, that structure doesn’t automatically mean better outcomes. Likewise, Part 61 isn’t inherently more flexible, faster, or cheaper. What really drives success is the quality of the school, the instructors, and how well the program supports each individual student. They also tackle common myths like: Is Part 141 actually faster—or just marketed that way? Are stage checks something to fear? Does failing a stage check hurt your future career? Can you switch between Part 61 and 141 without losing progress? Along the way, Wally brings an airline pilot’s perspective, reinforcing that hiring departments don’t care whether you trained under Part 61 or 141—they care about your skills, consistency, and professionalism. Whether you’re just getting started or evaluating your next rating, this episode will help you cut through the noise and make a smarter, more confident training decision. Bottom line: It’s not about the regulation—it’s about the people and the process behind your training.
