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

What is the minimum age to earn a sport pilot certificate for an airplane?

17 years old (16 for glider or balloon).

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  1. 17 ✔
  2. 16
  3. 18

Why: Section 61.305 requires a sport pilot applicant to be at least 17 years old. The minimum drops to 16 if you are applying to operate a glider or balloon.

Huh, didn't know that: You must also be able to read, speak, write and understand English.

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Why did the student pilot love turning 17? It was a real milestone for the logbook.
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References

Answer: 17. Section 61.305 requires a sport pilot applicant to be at least 17 years old. The minimum drops to 16 if you are applying to operate a glider or balloon.

  1. 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J, Sport Pilots (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/api/renderer/v1/content/enhanced/current/title-14?part=61&subpart=J
    Be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old if you are applying to operate a glider or balloon).
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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