FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsEasy
A 16-year-old student pilot has soloed a light-sport airplane and wants to know the minimum age at which they could be issued a sport pilot certificate. According to 14 CFR Part 61, what is the general minimum age requirement for a sport pilot certificate?
- A18 years old for all categories
- B17 years old for glider or balloon, 18 for all others
- C17 years old, except 16 years old for glider or balloon privileges
- D16 years old for all light-sport aircraft categories
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 17 years old, except 16 years old for glider or balloon privileges
Under 14 CFR 61.303, an applicant must be at least 17 years old to be issued a sport pilot certificate, except that an applicant seeking privileges limited to gliders or balloons may be issued the certificate at age 16.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 18 is not a sport pilot age requirement.
- B. Reverses the correct age relationship between categories.
- D. 16 is only the minimum for solo flight in gliders/balloons, not certification.
Sport Pilot Minimum Age
The minimum age to be issued a sport pilot certificate is 17, except 16 for glider or balloon privileges.
- General minimum age: 17 years old
- Exception: 16 years old for glider or balloon only
- Solo flight minimum age is also 16 (14 for glider/balloon)
Memory trick: 'Seventeen to Steer, Sixteen to Soar (glider/balloon)'