Applicability and eligibility requirements: General

This regulation establishes who can get a recreational pilot certificate and what the basic requirements are. The recreational pilot certificate is a limited license that sits between sport pilot and private pilot certificates.

To qualify, you must be at least 17 years old and able to read, speak, write, and understand English (the FAA may add limitations if medical reasons prevent this). You need an instructor's endorsement confirming you've completed ground training and are ready for the knowledge test, then you must pass that test. You also need flight training, another instructor endorsement confirming you're ready, and must meet specific flight experience requirements before taking the practical test (checkride). Finally, you must pass the practical test.

Importantly, you must already hold either a student pilot certificate or sport pilot certificate before applying—you can't start completely from scratch with a recreational pilot application.

*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.*