[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 14, Volume 2] [Revised as of January 1, 2001] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 14CFR61.83] [Page 51] TITLE 14--AERONAUTICS AND SPACE CHAPTER I--FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (Continued) PART 61--CERTIFICATION: PILOTS, FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS, AND GROUND INSTRUCTORS--Table of Contents Subpart C--Student Pilots Sec. 61.83 Eligibility requirements for student pilots. To be eligible for a student pilot certificate, an applicant must: (a) Be at least 16 years of age for other than the operation of a glider or balloon. (b) Be at least 14 years of age for the operation of a glider or balloon. (c) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.