how old do you have to be to get an airplane license
â¢ You must be 16 years old to obtain your student pilot license and to solo. â¢ You must to be 17 years old to obtain your private pilot license. â¢Your total flying time must be at least 40 hours. â¢ Of the 40 hours at least 10 hours must be solo flight time. â¢ Of the 10 hours solo at least 5 hours must be cross-country (flying from one airport to another at least 50 nautical miles away). â¢ You must pass the FAA Private Pilot written exam. â¢ You must pass the Private Pilot Oral and Practical (Flying) Exam.