SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-min-age

What is the minimum age to be eligible for a commercial pilot certificate?

18 years old.

Start playing free

  1. 18 years old ✔
  2. 16 years old
  3. 21 years old

Why: Section 61.123 says a commercial applicant must be at least 18. The applicant must also read, speak, write and understand English, hold a private certificate, and pass both the knowledge and practical tests.

Huh, didn't know that: A medical reason can lead to operating limitations on the certificate if the English requirement cannot be met.

The dad joke
Why did the 17-year-old pilot wait a year? She needed her commercial to mature.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: 18 years old. Section 61.123 says a commercial applicant must be at least 18. The applicant must also read, speak, write and understand English, hold a private certificate, and pass both the knowledge and practical tests.

  1. 14 CFR 61.123 Eligibility requirements: General (Cornell LII eCFR mirror) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/61.123
    Be at least 18 years of age
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

FlyingWhat certificate must you hold before you can earn a commercial pilot certificate?FlyingWhat can a commercial pilot do that a private pilot generally cannot?FlyingA new commercial airplane pilot has no instrument rating. Passengers for hire cannot go cross-country beyond how far?

That's stuff everyone should know.