Originally Posted by 727gm

While you must be 16 to solo an airplane, and 17 to license, you only need to be 14 to solo a glider, and 16 for pilot certificate...can add airplane later. A great way to get into aviation and learn to "fly a wing" without the distraction of that noisy fire hazard bolted to the aircraft(engine).
see:
Soaring Society of America, the source for Gliding in the USA

click on "where to fly" to find out if there is a soaring operation
near you.

It is pure fun recreation, with the advantage that if he decides aviation is for him, he'll already have a leg up on the process, and if not, he'll have a great off-work pastime.....

Originally Posted by Diver Driver

Glider flying is the best way to get an early handle on good stick and rudder skills (basic flying skills). You can fly gliders at an earlier age than airplanes. Get your son to your local glider club and get him started, he'll develop a great set of flying fundamentals, learn a lot about aviation and when it comes time to do his private pilot's license, it'll take him less time (think less money) because he already knows the basics.