Private pilot training can be an exciting and personally rewarding experience, and it also provides a new skill that can really take you places. Flight training of any kind has some serious requirements, however, that any applicant must fulfill in order to begin the training program. The Federal Aviation Administration sets these guidelines up to ensure that people are prepared for the strains of pilot training, and that they will be able to keep their passengers safe.

The first thing that anyone must acquire before they can begin private pilot training is a medical certificate. Flight training students must all pass a basic medical exam when they apply for the school, which certifies that they have met the medical standards for safely operating an aircraft. Unfortunately, you cannot undergo pilot training if you have poor vision, because the FAA cannot ensure that you will safely fly yourself and passengers in all possible circumstances.

You must also be at least 16 years of age old to begin pilot training with a student pilot certificate, and 17 years old to actually get a private pilot license. It is easy to understand why there would be such an age limit for flight training, since the same limits apply to driving a car. There is no upper age limit for private pilot training, however, as long as you are healthy enough to pass the basic medical exam.

You must also be able to read, speak, and understand English fluently to begin private pilot training, since it is the international language of aviation. During the course of your flight training, all of the coursework will be in English, and once you are in the air all of the flight commands will be in English. As you fly internationally, other aviation professionals will all be able to communicate in this language.

With these requirements fulfilled, all you need is the time and the money to do it.