What are the age and language requirements for a sport pilot certificate?

To earn a sport pilot certificate, you must meet two basic requirements:

Age: You must be at least 17 years old. However, if you're only seeking to fly gliders or balloons, the minimum age drops to 16.

Language: You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. This requirement exists because aviation communications, charts, and procedures in the U.S. are conducted in English. If a medical condition prevents you from meeting the English language requirement, the FAA can still issue you a certificate but will add operational limitations to ensure safety.

These are baseline eligibility requirements—you'll still need to meet additional training, knowledge, and practical test requirements found in other regulations. The age requirement is lower for sport pilots than for private pilots (who must be 17 for all aircraft categories), making sport pilot an accessible entry point for younger aviators interested in gliders or balloons.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*