There is no minimum age to start taking flying lessons with an instructor, but there are specific minimum ages to solo and to earn each certificate. Here is every age rule, from your first lesson to the airlines.
This is part of our Student Pilot Certificate guide.
Quick answer
| Milestone | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| Fly with a certificated flight instructor | No minimum |
| Solo a glider or balloon | 14 |
| Solo an airplane | 16 |
| Private pilot certificate (airplane) | 17 |
| Commercial pilot certificate | 18 |
| Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) | 23 (21 for a restricted ATP) |
Any age: flying with an instructor
A child of any age can take lessons and handle the controls with a CFI aboard. Many future pilots start young this way. You simply cannot solo until you meet the minimum age.
Age 16: your first solo
To solo an airplane you must be at least 16, hold a student pilot certificate, have at least a third class medical certificate, and be endorsed by your instructor. Sport pilot students may use a U.S. driver’s license instead of the medical, and students who have held an FAA medical certificate after July 14, 2006 may qualify for BasicMed. Glider and balloon pilots can solo at 14 and need no medical.
Age 17: the private pilot certificate
You can earn your private pilot certificate at 17. Many students time their training so they solo at 16 and finish the certificate around their 17th birthday.
Ages 18 and 23: commercial and airline
The commercial certificate requires you to be 18, and the ATP certificate generally requires you to be 23 (or 21 for a restricted ATP available to certain military and collegiate-trained pilots).
Is there a maximum age?
No. There is no upper age limit to fly privately. What matters as you get older is holding a valid medical certificate or qualifying under BasicMed. Plenty of people earn their certificate in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. Our pilot age limits guide explains how age affects your medical and the airline age 65 rule.
Frequently asked questions
Can a kid take flying lessons?
Yes. There is no minimum age to take instruction with a CFI on board.
What is the youngest you can solo?
16 in an airplane, or 14 in a glider or balloon.
Is there an upper age limit?
No. You can fly privately at any age as long as you hold a valid medical or qualify under BasicMed.
Can I get my certificate at 17?
Yes. 17 is the minimum age for the private pilot certificate in an airplane.