As long as the learner can pass a third-class medical exam, there is no maximum age limit for flight training. [Credit: Shutterstock]
Key Takeaways:
Returning to flying at 61 after 30 years is encouraged if it brings joy and is done safely, as age is not a barrier.
Retraining involves finding an experienced flight instructor and dedicating approximately one hour of dual instruction for each year away to refresh skills and knowledge to check-ride standards.
While previous logged hours don't expire and a new check ride isn't required, solo flight necessitates obtaining either a Third-Class Medical Certificate or BasicMed.
Question: I quit flying under my private license over 30 years ago. I had about 100-plus hours. I am 61 now. Is it smart to retrain to start flying again at this age?
Answer: Life is too short not to do something that brings you joy. If flying brings you joy, go out and do it. As long as you are safe about it, your age shouldn’t matter.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.
![As long as the learner can pass a third-class medical exam, there is no maximum age limit for flight training. [Shutterstock]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/shutterstock_81975922-scaled-e1701817528623.jpg)
