What age must a person be to apply for a remote pilot certificate?

To apply for a remote pilot certificate, a person must be at least 16 years old. This requirement is established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is designed to ensure that applicants possess a sufficient level of maturity and understanding to safely operate unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). At 16, individuals are considered to have the capacity to grasp the required knowledge regarding flight operations, regulations, and safety protocols.

This age requirement aligns with other aviation-related certifications and licenses that often set similar age thresholds. By setting the minimum age at 16, the FAA ensures that remote pilots have the necessary cognitive abilities and responsibility required for operating sUAS safely within the NAS (National Airspace System).