Comparison
SF50 type rating training options, compared
Choosing between an OEM factory slot and an independent Part 61 provider comes down to a handful of concrete tradeoffs. Here's how they actually compare.
The decision most pilots are actually weighing
Every SF50 owner or buyer ends up choosing between two paths to a type rating: the OEM (factory) program at SF50's Vision Center, or an independent FAA Part 61 provider. Both can produce a fully valid type rating. The real differences are in wait time, where the checkride happens, and whether a post-training flight restriction applies — not in the legitimacy of the certificate itself.
Why this matters before you commit to a training slot: the path you choose affects how soon you're flying the SF50 unsupervised, not just how soon you finish ground school.
How the paths compare
| Factor | OEM (factory) training | Independent Part 61 — Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Tied to a specific tail number; waitlists are common | Scheduled directly with Elite, at KTTA or your home airport |
| Where the checkride happens | Typically in an approved simulator | In the actual SF50, with an independent FAA DPE |
| SOE limitation | Often applies (25 hours supervised PIC time) when trained in a simulator | None — full, unrestricted type rating at completion |
| Curriculum pacing | Fixed, prescriptive syllabus | Proficiency-based — 6-8 days for most pilots |
| Insurance approval | Accepted | Independently insurance-approved; accepted |
| Recurrent training | Available through the OEM | Annual recurrent + optional 6-month instrument proficiency checks |
General comparison based on how Part 142 (simulator-based) and Part 61 (aircraft-based) programs are typically structured under FAA regulations. Specific OEM wait times and program details can change — confirm current availability directly with SF50.
What the 25-hour SOE limitation actually means
Under 14 CFR 61.64(f) and (g), a type rating earned with training and the practical test conducted entirely in an approved simulator carries a "subject to pilot-in-command limitations" restriction. Removing it requires logging 25 hours as PIC in the actual aircraft under the supervision of another qualified SF50 PIC, with each flight documented and confirmed in a logbook.
A type rating earned with the practical test conducted in the real aircraft avoids this limitation entirely — the pilot has already demonstrated PIC-level proficiency in the airplane itself, so there's nothing left to supervise. This is the single biggest practical difference between the two paths, and it's worth asking about directly before you commit to a program.
Why timeline varies so much between paths
A prescriptive, factory syllabus runs the same length for every pilot regardless of their existing proficiency, and getting a slot in the first place can itself take months depending on demand. A proficiency-based program adjusts pace to the individual — pilots who arrive familiar with the Garmin G3000 and current on instruments move faster than the standard schedule, which is why most Elite clients complete training in six to eight days once it begins. See our training prep guide for what shaves time off further.
For the full regulatory comparison between Part 61 and Part 142 training structures, see our Part 61 vs. Part 142 guide. For how either path satisfies insurance requirements, see Is SF50 training insurance-approved?
Questions
Comparison FAQ
What's the main tradeoff between OEM and independent training?
OEM training offers a standardized curriculum but a waitlist and, often, an SOE limitation from simulator-only checkrides. Independent Part 61 training avoids the SOE limitation and can generally start sooner.
Does an independent Part 61 rating count the same as OEM?
Yes — a Part 61 type rating has the same regulatory standing as one earned under Part 142. The differences are in pacing, availability, and the SOE limitation, not the certificate's validity.
Why does the SOE limitation depend on where the checkride happens?
Per 14 CFR 61.64(f)/(g), simulator-only checkrides carry a PIC restriction until 25 supervised hours are logged in the aircraft. Checkrides done in the real aircraft avoid that restriction from the start.
How much does timeline actually vary?
OEM programs run a fixed syllabus and often a months-long waitlist for a slot. Proficiency-based training adjusts to the pilot — most Elite clients finish in six to eight days once training begins.
Get Started
Ready to compare options directly with an instructor?
Talk through your background, timeline, and which path fits — no waitlist to find out.