FAA Requirements and Resources
There are many requirements that pilots must meet in order to qualify for testing. Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Requirements:
Minimum age:
| Pilot Classification | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Student Pilot | 16 |
| Private Pilot | 17 |
| Commercial Pilot | 18 |
| Flight Instructor | 18 |
| Airline Transport Pilot | 23 |
Language requirement
No matter your age, you must also be able to read, speak, write, and understand English, per Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 61.83 .
Medical certificate
You must able to obtain a third-class medical clearance from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). A list of AMEs in your area can be found on the FAA's website. FAA Medical Certification Information
Student pilot certificate
You must complete an application through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website or by paper using FAA form 8710-1 and submit it to a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), an FAA-designated pilot examiner, an airman certification representative associated with a part 141 flight school, or a certificated flight instructor.
Form: FAA 8710-1 PDF
FAA Resources
| Pilot Classification | Link |
|---|---|
| Private | Private Pilot - Airplane Airman Certification Standards (6B) |
| Commercial | Commercial Pilot - Airplane Airman Certification Standards |
| Instrument | Instrument Rating - Airplane ACS (8B) |
| UAS Unmanned Aircraft Systems | Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Information |