Aspiring pilots can learn to fly before they turn 18. The principles of flight training apply equally to students of all ages.
If you are an aspiring student pilot under 18, a parent or guardian of one, or are involved in their flight training, there are a range of things you might want to consider. This will help support the safety, wellbeing and development of the young person.
This page explains how you can work together, what support is available and how to raise questions or concerns.
Open communication and appropriate support can help students build confidence, competence and sound decision-making skills, while progressing safely through their training.
This guidance is not part of CASA’s regulatory requirements.
For students under 18
If you’re under 18 and learning to fly, ask your flight school:
- what to expect from training
- what support is available
- who to talk to if you have questions or concerns.
Talk with your flight school about involving your parent or guardian in a way that you are comfortable with.
Parents and guardians
You can support your young person by:
- understanding how their training works
- helping them balance flying with school and other commitments
- encouraging them to ask questions and seek support
- engaging with their flight instructor or school as appropriate.
We encourage parents and guardians to also review the guidance on this page for flight instructors and flying schools.
Flight instructors and flying schools
There are practical ways operators can:
- support students under 18
- engage appropriately with parents or guardians.
Apply this guidance in a way that makes sense to the size, structure and nature of your training organisation.
Your flying school may also have their own guidelines or requirements in place which you should know and understand.
Communicate clearly and support wellbeing
Clear communication arrangements can help establish expectations and foster a supportive training environment.
Learning to fly can be academically, physically and emotionally demanding. Be mindful of factors that may affect student wellbeing, including:
- school commitments
- employment
- family circumstances
- training pressures.
Explain to students:
- how training progresses
- significant events and milestones, such as flying solo
- the professional boundaries they can expect.
You can help set realistic expectations and support students throughout their training journey by understanding the factors that can affect training progress. This can include:
- weather conditions
- aircraft availability
- instructor availability
- student health and wellbeing
- family, work or study commitments
- individual learning pace and skill development.
Encourage students to raise questions or concerns about their flying training. Consider their health, wellbeing and individual support needs when planning and delivering training.
Keep communication respectful, proportionate and consistent with the students’ circumstances while respecting the student's privacy and autonomy.
Recognise training milestones
Students reach important milestones throughout their training journey, including:
- their first solo flight
- their first navigation exercise
- when they receive their licence
- periods where they may need additional support throughout their training journey.
Help students recognise these and consider how to involve parents or guardians. This can help strengthen a student's support network, celebrate their achievements, and keep the training focused on the student's needs.
Engage parents and guardians
Parents and guardians can play a beneficial role in supporting a student's training progress and wellbeing.
Where appropriate, agree how and when you will involve a parent or guardian.
Areas of interest might include:
- the training pathway
- associated risks and risk controls
- supervision arrangements
- training expectations
- responsibilities students assume as they progress their training
- flying solo
- exercising the responsibilities of pilot in command.
You might want to explain to them:
- how safety underpins all training activities
- how students make operational decisions
- how they can support the student’s development
- the different privileges of the certificates and licences
- how you can support their development as a safe and capable pilot.
You may also wish to consider documenting consent arrangements that outline:
- how you share information
- when parents or guardians can engage
- privacy considerations.
Working with children and vulnerable people screening
If your fight training operation involves working with children or vulnerable people, check the screening requirements that apply in your State or Territory.
These may apply to instructors and others working with children or vulnerable people. The requirements differ depending on where you operate.