Solo Flying Minimum Age?

[rangerofthewest]

I am 13 and have a passion for flying. I really like aviation, and would like to earn my private license. However, can I do my solo at 13? How old do you have to be to do your solo?

[tonycondon]

14 in gliders, 16 in airplanes.

[rangerofthewest]

That doesn't make sense, because a guy recieved both his Private and IFR on his 14th birthday! And the minimum age to get a license is 14, is it not?

[rangerofthewest]

Thanks, though, for your input

[tonycondon]

minimum age to get your certificate is 16 in gliders, 17 in airplanes. don't believe me read the FARs

[Jim Clark]

The "guy" you reference is fictional as you have to have 200 hours as a private pilot before you can be an instrument pilot. Here is the text from FAR 61.103 on basic requirements:
Sec. 61.103

Eligibility requirements: General.

To be eligible for a private pilot certificate, a person must:
(a) Be at least 17 years of age for a rating in other than a glider or balloon.
(b) Be at least 16 years of age for a rating in a glider or balloon.
(c) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.
(d) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
(1) Conducted the training or reviewed the person's home study on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in Sec. 61.105(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought; and
(2) Certified that the person is prepared for the required knowledge test.
(e) Pass the required knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in Sec. 61.105(b) of this part.
(f) Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
(1) Conducted the training in the areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.107(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought; and
(2) Certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test.
(g) Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought before applying for the practical test.
(h) Pass a practical test on the areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.107(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought.
(i) Comply with the appropriate sections of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
[(j) Hold a U.S. student pilot certificate, sport pilot certificate, or recreational pilot certificate.]

Sec. 61.83

Eligibility requirements for student pilots.

To be eligible for a student pilot certificate, an applicant must:
(a) Be at least 16 years of age for other than the operation of a glider or balloon.
(b) Be at least 14 years of age for the operation of a glider or balloon.
(c) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.

[MickYoumans]

Even though you can't be a student pilot and solo until you are 16, there is nothing wrong with flying in the right seat and learning everything you can in the mean time.

[Bob Meder]

The "guy" you reference is fictional as you have to have 200 hours as a private pilot before you can be an instrument pilot. Here is the text from FAR 61.103 on basic requirements:
Sec. 61.103

Eligibility requirements: General.

To be eligible for a private pilot certificate, a person must:
(a) Be at least 17 years of age for a rating in other than a glider or balloon.
(b) Be at least 16 years of age for a rating in a glider or balloon.
(c) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.
(d) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
(1) Conducted the training or reviewed the person's home study on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in Sec. 61.105(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought; and
(2) Certified that the person is prepared for the required knowledge test.
(e) Pass the required knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in Sec. 61.105(b) of this part.
(f) Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
(1) Conducted the training in the areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.107(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought; and
(2) Certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test.
(g) Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought before applying for the practical test.
(h) Pass a practical test on the areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.107(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought.
(i) Comply with the appropriate sections of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
[(j) Hold a U.S. student pilot certificate, sport pilot certificate, or recreational pilot certificate.]

Sec. 61.83

Eligibility requirements for student pilots.

To be eligible for a student pilot certificate, an applicant must:
(a) Be at least 16 years of age for other than the operation of a glider or balloon.
(b) Be at least 14 years of age for the operation of a glider or balloon.
(c) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.

Ummmm - where's it say you need 200 hours as a private pilot to get your instrument rating? I won't quote all of 61.65, but the only time requirement I see is the 50 hours cross country experience as pilot-in-command. Since solo time is accepted as PIC, it's theoretically possible for someone to get their private certificate on their 17th birthday, assuming they'd been signed off for all those solo flights, and turn right around on the same day and take the instrument practical to get their instrument rating. One DPE I spoke to said he'd enjoy that type of challenge.

[Sonex1517]

rangerofthewest - don't ever let go of that dream, and don't let ANYTHING keep you from pursuing it.

You cannot solo at 14, but there are so many ways to become involved in aviation, learn, and apply the knowledge to being a safe and competent pilot sooner than you would imagine. The EAA Young Eagles program is one way, but even signing up for a ground school class will help you learn about the steps involved and the knowledge you need. The Sporty's ground school online is one great tool for you.

If you have the desire to do this, and are willing to work hard to get there, you can and will achieve your goal.

[Buzz]

If you have a passion for aviation and want to fly solo, look into learning to fly an ultralight airplane. No minimum age requirement to fly an ultralight. Wish they'd been around when I soloed at 16 and got my license when I turned 17. I would have gone that route first.