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14 CFR § 61.103
Volume 2 · Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, 2025 edition.
Eligibility requirements: General
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.
[Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, as amended by Amdt. 61-124, 74
FR 42558, Aug. 21, 2009]U.S. Government work — public domain (17 U.S.C. §105). Reproduced from the checksummed 2025 annual edition of Title 14; always confirm against the current eCFR.