Age Requirement for Private Pilot’s License – Can You Get One?

So, you’re thinking about getting your private pilot’s license, but are not sure if you meet the pilot age limit? 

The age requirement for a private pilot’s license luckily doesn’t affect the majority of us.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires certain prerequisites before anyone can get their private pilot license, and age does play a factor. Your age will greatly depend on if you’re able to fly any aircraft of your choice.

Minimum Private Pilot Age Requirements

The FAA requires that everyone be at least 16 years of age to fly solo in any aircraft that isn’t a glider or a balloon.

And the minimum age for private pilot license is at least 17 years old. So you can begin your private pilot training before the age of 16 but you’ll need to fly consistently until your 17 to actually obtain your certificate.

If you’re 16 years old and ready for your first solo, then you’re in luck! Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until you’re 17 to be certified and enjoy the benefits of having the license.

Once you’re 17 years old, there are many things you can do with your private pilot’s license.

Having your private pilot’s license allows you to take as many friends and family members as you want, to any location you want, during any time of the day. (except in the clouds, you’ll need your instrument rating to do that) You’re even allowed to fly internationally. 

If you ever decide you want to make a living as a pilot.

You’ll need to have more than just your private pilot’s license. You’ll need to earn your commercial pilot’s license to start getting paid as a pilot.

And likely your certified flight instructor rating since that’s the first job for most pilots. Unfortunately, the age requirement to obtain both of those is 18 years old.

If you aren’t old enough to officially start flight training but want to dive deeper into aviation you should consider signing up for an online ground school program.

This will help you prepare for when you can officially begin training.

How Old do you Have to be to Fly a Plane with an Instructor?

The good news is that even if you’re younger than the pilot age limit of 16 you can still go flying with an instructor.

If you want to see what it’s like to fly you can reach out to your local flight school and ask about a discovery flight. During a discovery flight the instructor will typically give you the opportunity to take the controls and see what it’s like to fly the airplane.

Maximum Pilot Age Requirement

The good news for those who are above the age of 17, is that there is no maximum age limit for a private pilot license. The world is your oyster, and it is never too late to go for your private pilot’s license.

That said, getting your medical certificate is required by the FAA to fly solo.

And getting your medical certificate becomes more of a challenge the older you get. You can obtain your medical by scheduling a physical examination with a doctor who is an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner.

Other Opportunities for Flight if you Don’t Meet the Pilot Age Limit

If you’re under the age of 17 but still want to start flying you do have other options. You can become a glider or balloon pilot as long as you’re 14 or older.

Those who are looking to obtain a rating to pilot a glider or a balloon don’t have to worry about the age requirement too much. 

You don’t have to worry about getting your medical certificate either. 

Conclusion

The main requirements (besides flight hours) to become a private pilot are getting your medical certificate, being able to read, speak, and understand English, and meeting the private pilot age requirement of 17 years old. 

Waiting to obtain your private pilot’s license at the age of 17 might seem time-consuming, but the wait and benefits are worth it in the long run.