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How old do I have to be to get a recreational pilot’s certificate or a private pilot’s certificate?
You must be at least 17 years old. If you want to be a private glider pilot or be rated for free flight in a balloon, you must be at least 16 years old.

What tests do I have to pass to get a recreational pilot’s certificate or private pilot’s certificate?
You have to pass both a written knowledge test and a practical (flight) test.

Updated: 9:27 am ET August 15, 2005