How Young is Too Young to Start Flying Lessons?

To answer the question this FLYING user asks, there are other important questions that have to be answered first.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, May 04, 2022 at 10:23 AM ET

Verified

What is the proper age to start flying lessons? It depends. [File Photo: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

The ideal age to begin flight training depends primarily on the individual's maturity level, emphasizing traits like the ability to follow directions, discipline to study, and openness to constructive criticism.
While lessons can start earlier, FAA regulations set minimum ages for certification: 14 for gliders/free balloons, 16 for solo airplane flight, and 17 for a private pilot certificate for airplanes.
Starting flight training too young can be expensive and frustrating due to the perishable nature of flying skills, potentially requiring re-learning before meeting FAA age requirements for certification. Many aspiring pilots therefore wait until they are closer to the minimum solo age (16) for airplanes.

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Q: What is the ideal age to start flying?

A: If your offspring has an interest in aviation, you may be wondering, “What is the ideal age to learn to fly?” The answer is, it depends on their maturity level.

Flying is great fun, but it is also a great responsibility. Certificate age requirements notwithstanding, if they’re capable of following directions, scheduling lessons, taking constructive criticism, and they have the discipline to study, they are ready to take instruction.