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:

There's no minimum age to begin dual flight instruction, but it's most efficient to start around 15-16 with consistent lessons (1-2 times/week) to avoid inefficiency and the "law of recency."
Earning a private pilot certificate before graduating high school is highly recommended. This allows individuals to confirm their passion for flying without program pressure and provides advantages for military or collegiate aviation careers.
For younger enthusiasts or those with financial constraints, engaging with groups like Civil Air Patrol or EAA, or pursuing glider training, offers valuable and cost-effective ways to sustain motivation and gain foundational aviation experience.

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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?