Is it too early to begin my flight training?

Question

I have done a couple of introductory flights, which were great. I have wanted to be an airline pilot all my life. I want to start early on my career path, and I am 14 next month. Is this too early, or when is too early?

Answer 1

in my opinion i thin it would be great to take lessons now (i intend to and am same age as you) Dont listen to teer, It will look good, if you say "that you've been flying since your were 13/14

Answer 2

You won't be able to solo untill you 16 I believe. It would be a waste or your or your parents money starting at the age of 14. Start it once you turn 16 so you can solo and so you'll have a year to study and earn your PPL.

Answer 3

There's no minimum age to start on your career path. You can fly as long as you have an instructor or Certified Flight Instructor to be technical.

However, the minimum age to be able to fly an airplane by yourself is 16, which is also when you can get an official student license.

And the minimum age to get a private license, or basically one that allows you to fly most airplanes and types almost anywhere is 17. Then you would quickly get your instrument rating soon after, which is common for most pilots (this allows you to fly without looking at the window).

The minimum age for a comerical license is probably 18, possibly 23. This allows you to fly aircraft for money, e.g. as a career :).

However, to be an Airline Transport Pilot, or the captain of the "majors" or the big airliners, e.g. Boeing, you MUST be at least 23.

Being 14 probably means it's too early to start flying aircraft, but you can study for the test examinations and basic aviation information about your training aircraft and maneuvers you'll need to preform.

I suggest purchasing some kind of home study kit (they would be at the airport with the introductory flight) and try to learn as much as possible until you're around 16, maybe earlier. Then you can start actual flying lessons.

Answer 4

I would think it would be a good time to start your flight training. You could start off with one of the self paced ground school courses and take some actual flying lessons as well. I think the minimum age to get your private pilot license is 17 for an aircraft other than a balloon or a glider and 16 for a balloon or glider. You should go buy a copy of this years FAR/AIM to see all the requirements to get the various licenses and ratings (they will be listed in part 61). I spent a couple of years working on my pilot license, mainly due to the cost and several more years to get my Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic license. There is a lot to learn and the sooner you get started the better. If you really want to be an airline pilot you will have to get a commercial pilots license and an airline transport pilot license as well. If you have access to the money to get started you should do it. Good luck, I hope you fulfill your dream!

Answer 5

Congratulations on your decision to want to become a pilot!  It is a fantastic hobby & will certainly make an amazing career if that is what you are interested in.  I can't believe how many of the above answers weren't sure of themselves...they should be ashamed as pilots!  Anyway, most of them were close.  You can "solo" an airplane at age 16, which obviously means you can start practicing before that age.  I started flying at 14, and while I agree that it is young, you can acquire many of the skills you'll need later and get them out of the way now.  In fact, if you're as motivated as you sound, and have the funding to continue pursuing flying, you can meet as much of the criteria as you want towards your Private Pilots License which you can't actually test for until age 17.  This will allow you a greater flexibility in the aircraft you can fly, the places you can go and you'll finally be able to take up friends and other passengers.  The bottom line is that it's definitely NOT too early for you.  Enjoy anything in aviation you can experience....hang around the airport, go to airshows, bum rides with fellow pilots, have a blast!

Answer 6

You can start your flight training at any age, I started at 13, but you can not solo an aircraft until you are 16 and can not get your private pilot rating until you are 17. I would suggest if you start your training to just take one lesson a month until you are 15 and then start taking them more often. We had many students come through the flight school that I worked at and that was the best option for them.