What is the minimum age required to obtain a commercial pilot certificate?

To obtain a commercial pilot certificate, the FAA requires that an applicant be at least 18 years of age. This age requirement is set to ensure that pilots have reached a level of maturity and responsibility necessary for the complexities and demands of commercial flight operations.

While there are other age thresholds for different piloting certificates – for example, a student pilot can be as young as 16 – the commercial pilot certificate necessitates that the individual be 18 years old. Reaching this age ensures the pilot has ample experience and understanding of flight operations that are critical in commercial aviation.