14 CFR § 61.305 - What are the age and language requirements for a sport pilot certificate?

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t14/s61.305"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "14 CFR § 61.305 - What are the age and language requirements for a sport pilot certificate?"
title_number: 14
title_name: "Aeronautics and Space"
section_number: "61.305"
section_name: "What are the age and language requirements for a sport pilot certificate?"
chapter_name: "FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION"
subchapter_number: "D"
subchapter_name: "AIRMEN"
part_number: "61"
part_name: "CERTIFICATION: PILOTS, FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS, AND GROUND INSTRUCTORS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, 44701-44703, 44707, 44709-44711, 44729, 44903, 45102-45103, 45301-45302."
regulatory_source: "Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "61"
---


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

To be eligible for a sport pilot certificate you must:

(a) Be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old if you are applying to operate a glider or balloon).

(b) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. If you cannot read, speak, write, and understand English because of medical reasons, the FAA may place limits on your certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of an aircraft.

[Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35213, July 24, 2025]