Becoming a pilot is a dream for many, but not everyone who wishes to take to the skies will be able to become a licensed pilot. There are certain requirements and restrictions in place for who can hold a pilot’s license. Understanding these limitations can help determine if piloting is a feasible career path or hobby for you.
Medical Conditions That May Disqualify Candidates From Becoming Pilots
One of the main barriers to becoming a pilot is medical eligibility. Pilots are held to high health and fitness standards, given the responsibilities of the role. There are a number of medical conditions that can lead to disqualification from flight training and licensure.
Some medical conditions that may prevent candidates from becoming pilots include:
- Epilepsy or seizures
- Heart issues including angina, previous heart attacks, pacemakers, etc.
- Diabetes, especially if insulin dependent
- Asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions
- Musculoskeletal issues like arthritis or joint replacements
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Stroke or neurological conditions
- Psychiatric disorders
- Alcohol or substance dependence
- Significant vision, hearing, or balance issues
Pilots require excellent health and fitness to handle the physical and mental demands of operating an aircraft. Any medical conditions that could impact the ability to fly safely need to be evaluated carefully when seeking flight licensing.
FAA Medical Certificate Requirements
To qualify for any level of pilot license in the United States, candidates must obtain an FAA Medical Certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). There are three levels of medical certification:
- First Class – Required for Airline Transport Pilots. Most extensive evaluation.
- Second Class – Required for Commercial Pilots.
- Third Class – Required for Student, Recreational, and Private Pilots. Basic medical evaluation.
The AME will evaluate the candidate’s medical history and perform a physical exam. This determines eligibility to hold a medical certificate, which is required to obtain a pilot’s license.
Age Requirements for Pilot Licenses
There are also minimum age requirements that must be met to hold the various classes of pilot licenses:
- Student Pilot Certificate – 16 years old for gliders and balloons, 17 years old for all other aircraft
- Sport Pilot Certificate – 17 years old
- Recreational Pilot Certificate – 17 years old
- Private Pilot Certificate – 17 years old
- Commercial Pilot Certificate – 18 years old
- Airline Transport Pilot Certificate – 23 years old
While there are no maximum age limits for pilots set by the FAA, mandatory retirement ages may be established by individual airlines. The upper limit is typically between 60-65 years old for airline pilots.
Vision Requirements
Pilots must also meet minimum vision standards as follows, with or without corrective lenses:
- Distance vision acuity of 20/40 or better in each eye
- Near vision acuity of 20/40 or better, as measured on a Snellen chart
- Ability to perceive color vision via testing
- Normal field of vision and depth perception
Those who require glasses or contacts are eligible as pilots, as long as their vision can be corrected to normal ranges.
Hearing Requirements
Adequate hearing is essential for pilots to be able to communicate with air traffic control and listen to warnings or alerts. The hearing requirements include:
- No hearing loss in either ear greater than 35 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, or 2,000 Hz
- No hearing loss greater than 50 decibels at 3,000 Hz
- Ability to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room with background noise
Hearing aids are sometimes permitted depending on the type and degree of hearing impairment. Complete deafness in one ear may be waiverable, but risks of spatial disorientation must be considered.
Citizenship Requirements
To become a pilot in the United States, candidates must either be U.S. citizens or be nationals. The categories include:
- U.S. citizens
- Those with dual U.S. and other citizenship who elect to act as U.S. citizens
- U.S. nationals from American Samoa or Swains Island
Exceptions are possible for permanent resident aliens and refugees with appropriate visas, but additional requirements apply.
English Language Proficiency
A strong command of the English language is mandatory for all pilots because aviation communications and regulations use English terminology. Pilots must be able to:
- Read, write, speak, and understand English clearly
- Communicate effectively with ATC and other crew in English
- Perform all flight duties in English
If English is not an individual’s primary language, they must complete English language proficiency testing before licensing.
Criminal History
A history of criminal convictions or other questionable past actions may also preclude candidates from becoming pilots. Factors that are considered include:
- Felony convictions
- Multiple misdemeanors or reckless driving charges
- Alcohol or substance abuse
- Pending charges or investigations
- Questionable driving record
- Disciplinary action from prior FAA airman certificate
These sorts of records may indicate lack of judgment, carelessness, dishonesty, or recklessness. Airlines perform extensive background checks before hiring pilots.
Disqualifying Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions are considered absolutely disqualifying for flight duties by the FAA. These include:
- Epilepsy with seizures past age 5
- Heart replacement surgery
- Permanent disabilities like limb paralysis
- Insulin-treated diabetes mellitus
- Permanent impairment of speech or hearing
- Psychosis or bipolar disorder
- Alcoholism
Those with these medical histories are prohibited from becoming pilots in the United States. Certain disorders may allow Special Issuance medical waivers at the FAA’s discretion.
Should You Pursue Becoming a Pilot?
If you do not meet one or more of the eligibility criteria outlined in this article, becoming a licensed pilot may unfortunately be out of reach. However, some limitations such as age or education level may be temporary barriers that you could potentially overcome in the future if piloting is your dream.
Be sure to evaluate the specific FAA regulations in detail. Then speak with your personal doctor regarding any medical restrictions. Finally, consider consulting with a professional aviation mentor or flight instructor for personalized advice about your situation.
While piloting is a restrictive field, do not become entirely discouraged if you do not meet qualifications currently. Explore whether any options like waivers, exemptions, or future changes could enable you to fly. With flexibility and determination, you may eventually achieve your goal of becoming a licensed pilot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you be a pilot with glasses?
Yes, pilots can wear glasses or contacts if their vision is correctable to 20/40 or better. Uncorrected vision worse than 20/40 will disqualify candidates.
Can you be a pilot with anxiety?
Those with mild anxiety controlled by medication may still qualify for medical certification. However, anxiety severe enough to impact medical or psychological well-being could be disqualifying due to aviation risks.
Can you be a pilot with high blood pressure?
High blood pressure requires use of medication and frequent evaluation but does not necessarily prohibit piloting if controlled. Uncontrolled hypertension could be disqualifying.
Can you be a pilot with asthma?
Mild or moderate asthma is usually not disqualifying if well-controlled with inhalers and does not cause severe attacks. However, severe asthma may preclude pilots for safety reasons.
Can you be a pilot with a disability?
Some disabilities like missing limbs or hand function may be waiverable via special FAA consideration. However, disabilities impacting core piloting abilities are generally disqualifying.
Can you be a pilot with depression?
Mild depression may be acceptable if well-controlled by medications and counseling. However, moderate to severe depression leading to hospitalization or impairment will disqualify candidates.
Can you be a pilot with diabetes?
Diabetes managed with oral medications or diet is normally waiverable, but insulin-dependent diabetes is permanently disqualifying for pilots.
Summary
Becoming a professional pilot requires meeting stringent eligibility criteria for age, health, medical history, citizenship, criminal records, and English proficiency. While some restrictions like vision or age may be worked around, severe medical conditions are typically disqualifying. Candidates unable to meet requirements should carefully evaluate their options but should not lose hope. With patience and determination, you may find a path to realizing your aviation dreams.
