---
kind: "section"
citation: "14 C.F.R. § 61.305"
title: "14"
number: "61.305"
heading: "What are the age and language requirements for a sport pilot certificate?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/14/61.305"
---

# §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.

## Notes

### Amendments

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

### Source

Source: Docket FAA-2001-11133, 69 FR 44869, July 27, 2004, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, 44701-44703, 44707, 44709-44711, 44729, 44903, 45102-45103, 45301-45302.

### Source

Source: Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

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