14 Cfr 61.39

[sbav8r]

Has anyone here ever taken a practical test before they met the age requirement for the certificate sought. According to the regs, this is not possible; however, I have been told that it can be done. Have I missed something?

Thanks

 

[crzepilot]

I forget, I don't think it will restrict you from taking the test, but it may limit you from actually receiving the privelegs of the certificate until after you reach the required age for the certificate. Now that I think about it you could probably open a whole new can of worms in the governments policy on age requirements and make them justify the reason of having that particular age requirement.

 

[midlifeflyer]

I'm aware of a section of the Pilot Examiner's Handbook that allows for it to take place for the ATP, but I haven't seen anything else that supports the exemption from 61.39(a)(5)

crzepilot, why would the government have to "justify" the age requirement?

 

[prpjt]

Before the 1997 rewrite there was a provision to take the test before meeting the age requirement. That provision in the regs has gone away. Either the examiners handbook (that midlife referenced ) is out of date, or hasn't been changed to reflect the new wording of the regulations.

 

[midlifeflyer]

The version I have is revised through at least 2004. The FAR change took place in 1997, so I guess it's one of those get-around-to-it things.

 

[nosehair]

Yep, from practical experience, I'll tell you that the FAA Inspector's Handbook is not (or was not in the 90's) automaticly updated when there are Part 61 changes. The updates sometimes were years in coming. And the Handbook is a guide. Inspectors are expected to have current knowledge to apply to the Handbook.

Anyway, there was a provision in the old part 61 for the ATP only. You had to have your logbook reviewed by an FAA Inspector to see if you met the experience requirements, then the Inspector wrote out an authorization to take the ATP written. The written could be done when within 2 years of the age requirement, and with a passed written, one could apply for the practical test when within 2 years of the age requirement (ATP only).

The applicant received a letter attesting to having passed the ATP Practical Test, and upon reaching the age of eligibility, the applicant could present the letter and receive an ATP certificate.

 

[sbav8r]

Thanks for all your help.

 

[CDVdriver]

Question;

61.103:
To be eligible for a PPL a person must:
(a) Be at least 17 years of age for a rating other than a glider or balloon.

Does this imply that somebody can take a checkride at 16 and receive the license at 17?

 

[nosehair]

Question;

61.103:
To be eligible for a PPL a person must:
(a) Be at least 17 years of age for a rating other than a glider or balloon.

Does this imply that somebody can take a checkride at 16 and receive the license at 17?

Nope. "To be eligible" means...to be eligible to apply...to submit an 8710....to request a practical test from the FAA....

 

[midlifeflyer]

Question;

61.103:
To be eligible for a PPL a person must:
(a) Be at least 17 years of age for a rating other than a glider or balloon.

Does this imply that somebody can take a checkride at 16 and receive the license at 17?

No. You have to read 61.103 =together= with the regulation that has been discussed throughout this whole thread (in fact, it's the =title= of this thread): 61.39

==============================
§ 61.39 Prerequisites for practical tests.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, to be eligible for a practical test for a certificate or rating issued under this part, an applicant must:
(5) Meet the prescribed age requirement of this part for the issuance of the certificate or rating sought;
==============================