Flying Requirements

There are three basic requirements for learning to fly powered airplanes in the United States:

• You have to be at least 16 years old to apply for student pilot license and at least 17 to apply for private pilot license.
• You have to be in good health. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires everyone who wants to become a pilot or continue to be a pilot to pass a routine medical exam every two years. Allowances are made for many physical limitations. You can obtain a list of FAA-designated physicians from AFI or by visiting the FORMS section of this website.
• You have to be able to read, speak, and understand English.