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Are You Ever Too Old to Learn to Fly?

An 83-year-old wonders if time has passed them by.

Q: I’m 83 years old and in good health. Is it too late for me to learn to fly? I took some lessons many years ago in a Cessna 150.

A: No, it isn’t too late. 

Although there is a minimum age limit for solo flight (14 years old for gliders and balloons, and 16 for powered aircraft) the FAA has no maximum age limit. If you are healthy enough to drive a car, you can qualify for the sport pilot certificate. If you can pass a third class medical exam, you can get your private pilot certificate.

As long as you can follow directions, remember the procedures and rules about air space, make good decisions, and learn how to control an aircraft, you can fly. Go ahead and do it! Take some lessons and enjoy yourself. 

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