What Is the Right Age To Start Flight Training?

Flight training before graduating high school is an excellent idea for any teenager interested in a flying career, but don’t rush.

Sam Weigel

Friday, October 07, 2022 at 07:50 AM ET

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While there is no minimum age to start flight training, you need to be able to reach the rudder pedals. [FLYING Archives]

Key Takeaways:

While there's no minimum age to begin flight training, starting around 15 or 16 years old is more efficient for obtaining a private pilot certificate due to the need for frequent lessons to retain skills.
Despite efficiency concerns, starting flight training before graduating high school is highly recommended for aspiring professional pilots to assess their passion and suitability for a career without the pressure of college programs.
For younger enthusiasts, alternative programs like the Civil Air Patrol or EAA provide cost-effective ways to sustain motivation and gain foundational aviation knowledge before formal flight lessons.

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With the recent well-publicized upsurge in pay and benefits thanks to the pilot shortage, there’s been a great deal of renewed interest in flight training among prospective professional pilots young and old—and also among interested parents looking to set their progeny on a lucrative career path.

Recently, I’ve seen a question surface which I’m perhaps uniquely qualified to answer: Is there an advantage to starting flight training before graduating high school? How young is too young? Is there an ideal age?