When should my kid start flying?

As soon as possible.

It’s important to support and foster interest young people have flying. Get them in for an intro flight as soon as they show interest.

You can start training seriously when they are 15 because you can solo at 16 and earn your private pilot certificate at 17.

If they are younger than 15 taking a lesson a couple times a year to keep interest is recommended. Serious training should start no earlier than 15 though.

Having them complete an online ground school at home can also help significantly and will help understand the level of education required to earn a pilot certificate it’s not just flying. We recommend Sportys or King online ground schools, but there are many options and any will usually suffice.

Keeping the actively interested while balancing the money spent is important. For younger kids just bring them to an airport to watch planes and hang out if it’s an option in your area, many local pilots will be glad to talk to them or show them their airplanes.

Another thing to consider is joining the EAA Young Eagles Program this will give you many resources and opportunities to foster your child’s interest in aviation, including free flights!

Feel free to reach out to us with any questions that you might have!