What is the minimum age requirement to obtain a commercial pilot license in the U.S.?

To obtain a commercial pilot license in the United States, an individual must be at least 18 years old. This age requirement is established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, which ensure that a commercial pilot has reached a level of maturity and responsibility necessary to operate aircraft for compensation or hire.

The age requirement aligns with various other licensing criteria, including medical standards and flight training protocols, intended to ensure safety in aviation. Additionally, this age threshold reflects an understanding that commercial pilots need both the cognitive maturity and the life experience to handle the significant responsibilities that come with piloting an aircraft commercially.

In contrast, the minimum ages cited in the other options do not meet the regulatory standards for commercial pilot licensing set by the FAA, which stipulates that candidates must be at least 18 years old when applying for their commercial pilot certificate.