Question: Is there a maximum flying age limit when considering being a first-time pilot? How old is considered not to be a good candidate for a first-timer?
Answer: There is no maximum age limit for being a first-time pilot. If you have the ability to learn—it doesn’t matter how long it takes—, you can potentially become a pilot.
However, if you wish to be a private pilot and fly powered airplanes, you must pass a physical examination from an FAA-approved medical examiner. You can find the details of what to expect in the Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual under 14 CFR Part 67, medical standards and certification.
If you want to pursue a sport pilot certificate, which allows you to fly smaller and lighter aircraft and carry one passenger, you won’t need to have a medical certificate—justbe healthy enough to hold a driver’s license.
You also don’t need a medical certificate if you want to fly a glider.
If you can’t pass a medical exam, you could still fly with a CFI next to you. They would technically be the PIC, but you would get to manipulate the controls and have fun.
Ask us anything you’ve ever wanted to know about aviation. Our experts in general aviation, flight training, aircraft, avionics, and more may attempt to answer in a future article. Email your questions to editorial@flyingmag.com.
