One common question young, aspiring student pilots ask is, “Am I old enough to become a pilot?” There is a benefit to becoming a pilot at a younger age, as it opens the door to a longer career ahead. On the other end, the FAA has a maximum age in which, when met, commercial pilots must retire. Understanding pilot age requirements helps you plan your path to the cockpit and determine the career goals you can set in your future.
Minimum Age Requirements for Pilots
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the minimum age to obtain a student pilot certificate is 16 years old. This allows you to pursue flight training through a Part 141 or Part 61 training program before you reach the age in which you can become a licensed pilot.
The Private Pilot License requires you to be at least 17 years old. This is the certificate that allows you to carry passengers and fly cross-country, though not for compensation. At 17, you can earn your wings and begin building experience as a licensed pilot, even while still in high school.
For a Commercial Pilot License—the certificate that allows you to fly for compensation—you must be at least 18 years old. This is the minimum age to begin working as a professional pilot, whether as a flight instructor, charter pilot, or in other commercial aviation roles.
The Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, the highest level of certification, requires you to be at least 23 years old. However, there’s a restricted ATP option available at age 21 for pilots who meet specific educational or military requirements, allowing them to serve as first officers at airlines.
Many pilots don’t earn their certificates right at these age thresholds, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. The path to becoming a pilot is flexible enough to accommodate people at different life stages.
Is there a Maximum Age to Become a Pilot?
For private flying and most commercial pilot positions, there is no maximum age to begin flight training or earn your pilot certificates. The FAA does not impose an upper age limit for learning to fly or holding a pilot certificate. You can earn your Private Pilot License at 40, 50, 60, or beyond. Many successful pilots begin their aviation journey well into middle age or even retirement.
However, there are age-related considerations for airline careers specifically. FAA regulations require commercial airline pilots to retire at age 65. The rule has significant implications for career planning, particularly for those starting later in life. With the Age 65 Rule, pilots cannot fly for airlines that passengers fly on commercially.
If your goal is to become an airline pilot, working backward from age 65 helps you understand your career timeline. Airlines typically require pilots to have specific minimums before hiring—usually around 1,500 flight hours and an ATP certificate. Building this experience typically takes 2-4 years after earning your commercial certificate, depending on how you time-build and what opportunities are available.
This means someone starting flight training from zero could realistically reach airline hiring minimums within 3-5 years, depending on training pace and career choices. If you’re 40 and start training today, you could potentially have a 20-year airline career ahead of you. If you’re 50, you might have 10-12 years. While this is shorter than someone who starts at 22, a decade of flying for the airlines can still be incredibly fulfilling and financially rewarding.
Medical Considerations with Age
While there’s no maximum age to hold a pilot certificate, you must maintain a valid medical certificate to exercise pilot privileges. The FAA requires pilots to pass periodic medical examinations conducted by FAA-authorized aviation medical examiners. The frequency and class of medical required depends on what type of flying you do.
As pilots age, obtaining and maintaining medical certification can become more challenging. Common age-related health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions, or certain medications may complicate medical certification.
Making the Decision to Become a Pilot
At Superior Flight School, students of all ages pursue their aviation dreams. From students fresh out of high school earning their first certificates to students in their 40s transitioning into professional aviation, we provide comprehensive, FAA-approved training tailored to students at every stage of life.