Is there such a thing as an ideal age if you want to learn to fly? [Shutterstock]
Key Takeaways:
The ideal age to start flying is highly individual, depending on one's goals (career, hobby, bucket list), maturity, and available time and financial resources.
For teenagers, while specific age minimums exist (e.g., private pilot at 17), readiness hinges on maturity, managing busy schedules, and ensuring consistent training.
Adults considering flying for a career change must commit significant time (10+ hours weekly) and finances over at least two years, balancing this with existing responsibilities.
There is no upper age limit for learning to fly, particularly for leisure or "bucket list" flyers, with options like the sport pilot certificate simplifying medical requirements.
Answer: This seemingly straightforward question has a complicated answer that begins with more questions: Why do you want to fly? Is it a bucket list item? Are you wanting to make a career change? Are you looking for an initial career?
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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.
