How old must a person be to apply for a remote pilot certificate with an sUAS rating?

To apply for a remote pilot certificate with a small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) rating, an individual must be at least 16 years old. This age requirement is established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure that applicants have a sufficient level of maturity and responsibility, which is important for safely operating drones in controlled airspace and adhering to regulations.

At 16, individuals are generally considered to have developed the cognitive skills and decision-making abilities necessary for responsible drone operation. Furthermore, the ability to understand and follow aviation regulations is crucial, which aligns with the developmental expectations of that age. Compliance with this age criterion is essential for individuals wishing to engage in commercial sUAS operations.