FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)RegulationsEasy
A commercial pilot is approached for a flight that would require the pilot to carry passengers for compensation or hire to an airport not served by an air carrier. The pilot holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate with appropriate ratings and a Second Class Medical Certificate. Assuming the flight is conducted under VFR, what is the minimum age requirement for this pilot?
- A18 years old.
- B21 years old.
- C23 years old.
- DNo minimum age requirement once the Commercial Pilot Certificate is obtained.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 18 years old.
According to 14 CFR 61.123(a), to be eligible for a Commercial Pilot Certificate, a person must be at least 18 years of age. There is no higher age requirement for conducting passenger flights for compensation or hire under Part 91 or Part 135 (for which the commercial certificate is the prerequisite). The 21-year age requirement applies to the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 21 years old is the minimum age for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate, not for a Commercial Pilot Certificate.
- C. 23 years old is incorrect; there is no such age requirement for any pilot certificate.
- D. There is a minimum age requirement for all pilot certificates.
Commercial Pilot Minimum Age
The minimum age to be eligible for a Commercial Pilot Certificate is 18 years old.
- 18 years old for Commercial Pilot Certificate.
- 16 years old for Student Pilot Certificate.
- 17 years old for Private Pilot Certificate.
- 21 years old for Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Memory trick: Each pilot certificate has its own 'age gate' to open the cockpit door.