How Can A Teenager Get Their Pilot License?

What Age Can Teen Get Their Pilot’s License

Parents of children with a passion for aviation often wonder — what age can my teen start working towards a pilot’s license? Your teen may be ready to learn to fly if they are motivated and passionate about learning, and understand the responsibilities & dedication to accomplishing and the follow through.

However, the age at which they are allowed to begin their hands on pilot training is 16 — the earliest you can obtain a Student Pilot Certificate.

At Rising Aviation, Your Teen Can Get Their Pilot’s License While Getting Their High School Degree

The following article outlines the steps needed for your teen to obtain their Private Pilot’s license, but did you know, your teen could be getting their license while learning about the aviation industry, best practices, and working towards their STEM-related High School Diploma? Interested in learning more about this amazing program – contact us!

Applying for a Student Pilot Certificate

Before being permitted to solo, a major milestone in flight training, your teen must obtain a Student Pilot Certificate from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). This is a simple and free process that Rising Aviation will help guide you through.

Obtaining a Private Pilot’s License for Your Teen

While there are different pilot certificates, such as the Sport or Recreational, the most common first step for someone interested in flying as a career is the Private Pilot’s Certificate — internationally known as a Private Pilot’s License (PPL). FAA rules state a person to be at least 17 years old to obtain this license along with several other eligibility requirements.

Private Pilot’s License Eligibility Requirements for Teens

• Be at least 17 years old
• Holds at least a third-class medical certificate from an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)
• Able to read, speak, write, and understand English
• Be able to pass the Private Pilot Knowledge Test during flight their flight training
• Complete the FAA required flight hours (40 hours minimum)
• Pass FAA Practical exam, communally referred to as a “checkride” with an FAA Examiner

Once the checkride is passed, you’ve earned your wings and are officially a Private Pilot!

What Does it Mean for Your Teen to Have a Private Pilot’s License?

A pilot with a Private Pilot’s License is allowed to fly an aircraft cross-country during the day or night in visual flight conditions. They are allowed to carry passengers, such as family or friends, but they are not allowed to be paid compensation for these services or be hired as a pilot (however you are permitted to share the operating expenses with your passengers).

The PPL is the foundation for all future aircraft pilot training and provides you with the necessary knowledge and skill to move on to more advanced pilot’s licenses, such as a Commercial Pilots License (CPL) or an Airline Transport Pilots License (ATPL).