StacksVerified U.S. regulatory reference

14 CFR §61.305

Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
To be eligible for a sport pilot certificate you must:
  1. (a)Be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old if you are applying to operate a glider or balloon).
  2. (b)Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. If you cannot read, speak, write, and understand English because of medical reasons, the FAA may place limits on your certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of an aircraft.