Aviation for
Kids & Teens
Is your kid interested in airplanes or helicopters? Here is how to help them turn that spark into a real first flight, and one day a pilot career.
"Can My
Kid Fly?"
Yes. A discovery flight for kids and teens at US Aviation Training Solutions is an easy introduction to aviation for kids, sitting up front with one of our flight instructors.
We do not set one age limit. We have flown a 10-year-old in the airplane, though very young children are not a fit. Helicopter flights are case by case, because a young flyer needs to reach the controls comfortably. Contact us and we will help you find the right option for your child.
Explore Pilot Jobs
Where Could Flying Take Your Kid?
Choose an aircraft and a job to see the path to get there, from teen pilot training to a first job. Every paid flying job needs at least a Commercial Pilot License. Employers often ask for more, plus flight hours.
1. Choose an aircraft
2. Pick a dream job
Their flight path
Airline Pilot
- 1 Private Pilot License Minimum age 17
- 2 Commercial Pilot License Minimum age 18
- 3 Instrument Rating
- 4 Multi-Engine Rating
- 5 Airline Transport Pilot Minimum age 23
Ages That Matter
How Old Do You Have to Be to Fly a Plane?
There is no minimum age to take a lesson with a flight instructor. The FAA sets the ages for flying solo and for earning each pilot certificate, so a young flyer can start early and keep moving up as they grow.
Source: 14 CFR Part 61.
- Any age: Discovery flight
A first lesson with an instructor. Contact us to see what fits your child.
- 16: First solo
Your teen can fly the aircraft alone for the first time, once their instructor signs them off.
- 17: Private Pilot License
The first full pilot certificate. A student has to fly solo before earning it.
- 18: Commercial Pilot License
The age to start getting paid to fly, and to become a flight instructor.
- Plan the start date
If your teen is ready early, we can time their start so each age lines up with the next step, without months of waiting.
Too Young to Train?
Start Here
A child who is not old enough to train yet can still learn a lot about flying. These are the aviation resources for parents we suggest first.
- Book a discovery flight
A real flight with an instructor is the fastest way to find out if the spark is real. Book a discovery flight.
- Talk to our team
We are happy to share ideas to keep your child learning about aviation until they are ready to train. Contact us.
- Explore pilot careers
See where a pilot license can lead. Why become a pilot.
- Read our aviation guides
Plain-English guides to licenses, training, and life as a pilot. Browse the guides.
Youth Resources
Resources for Young Flyers and Their Parents
Ways to keep your child learning about aviation until they are ready to train.
- Book a Discovery Flight
A real flight with one of our instructors is the best first step.
Book now
FAQs
Questions From Parents
What parents ask us most about kids, teens, and flying.
- How young can my child take a discovery flight?
-
We do not set one age limit. We have flown a 10-year-old in the airplane, though very young children are not a fit. Contact us and we will help you decide.
- Can my child fly in a helicopter?
-
It depends on the child. A young flyer needs to reach the helicopter controls comfortably, so we decide case by case. Contact us to see what options are available.
- Do you offer discovery flights for teenagers?
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Yes. A discovery flight is a great first step for a teen who wants to fly. Contact us and we will match the flight to their age and interests.
- Do you offer flight lessons for kids?
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Younger kids can start with a discovery flight. There is no minimum age to fly with an instructor, and we decide case by case, especially for helicopters. Contact us to talk through the options.
- When can my teen fly solo?
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At 16, once their flight instructor signs them off.
- When can my teen earn a pilot license?
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At 17 they can earn a Private Pilot License. They need to fly solo first, so most teens start training before then.
- When can my teen get paid to fly?
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At 18, with a Commercial Pilot License.
- My teen is graduating early. Should they wait to start?
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Talk to us first. We can plan the start date so your teen reaches each age right when they are ready for the next step, instead of finishing early and waiting.
Still have questions?
Give Them TheirFirst Flight
Whether your child dreams of flying for fun or flying for a living, a discovery flight is the best first step. Contact us to plan a flight that fits their age and interests.