Written test before 17?
 

hello,
im 15 and have about 22 +/- hours. I read about someone who took the written test when they were sixteen, he was a young eagle (EAA). What are the youngest ages for taking the written and oral test? thanks

I can't remember if there's an actual age limit on the written. Here's the kicker though, once you take a test and pass, it is valid for 24-calender months. So why rush the written, I would wait to take it when you know in the short-future you will be taking your actual Check-Ride.

No age limit, just be prepared and able to take the checkride within 24 months.

I would actually recommend getting the written out of the way...FAA written test knowledge does not always exactly correlate to real airplane flying. Best to get that done somewhat early, and then focus on the actual knowledge that you need to solo safely and pass your checkride.

Agree....Take the written...get it out of the way so you can concentate on the Practical.

Technically speaking, the age limit for the written is tied to the age you can take the practical, though, it is not in the FAR's. For example, to take the ATP Practical, you must be 23 years old.

You can take the written exam for the ATP when you are 21.

21 years old + 24 month validity of the written = 23 years old for the Practical.

You cannot take a written examiniation unless the results will be valid for a period of time in which you can take the practical.

This comes from the FAA, as I needed guidance while I was running a 141 school.

The same logic goes for every other rating/certificate.

You could take the written at 15 if you plan on taking the checkride within 24 months but after you turn 17. You also mention the oral. You can't take the oral until you are qualified to take the checkride, so that will have to wait until you are 17.

wheeew!
 

thanks guys. ill probably wait til im 16

There is:

61.35(a)(2)(iii) Date of birth, which shows the applicant meets or will meet the age requirements of this part for the certificate sought before the expiration date of the airman knowledge test report


Edit: On the other discussion with taking it early versus late, I am the opposite end of the spectrum. I wait until the check ride is in sight, approximately 10 lessons left, to take the written. Start studying for it around the halfway point. I have two reasons for this belief:

1) They can use the written exam to help prepare them for the oral exam. It covers much of the same content and I like to have that fresh in their head.

2) Optimally they should take the written first and then study equally as hard for the oral as they had to to take the written in the first place. Realistically, they probably won't. So this method forces them to study, so to speak.