FAR PART 61 Requirements:

• Be at least 17 years of age.
• Be able to speak, write and understand English.
• Hold a Student Pilot Certificate
• Hold a third-class airmans medical certificate.
• Pass a written knowledge test [hyperlink to private pilot ground school page] on the applicable aeronautical knowledge areas.
• Pass an oral and a practical exam on maneuvers and procedures.
• The following numbers meet the minimums  for certification, additional hours may be necessary for proficiency.
• Accumulate 40 hours of flight training, to include the following:
  1. A minimum of 20 hours of flight training from a Certificated Flight Instructor, including:
     • 3 hours cross country flight training
     • 3 hours of night flight training, including 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop and 1 cross country flight of over 100 NM total distance.
     • 3 hours of instrument flight training.
     • 3 hours of preparation (in airplanes) for the private pilot practical test.
  2. A minimum of 10 hours solo flight training, including
     • At least 5 hours of solo cross country, (including one solo cross country of 150NM total distance with full stop landings at three points, and one segment consisting of at least 50NM between takeoff and landing)
     • Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in a traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.​

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​While the private pilot license above is achievable in the time listed, it is more typical for beginning pilots to take a bit longer to build their proficiency. A better average would be 50 to 60 hours dual flight time, and 15 hours solo. The rule of thumb: Flying more often equates to faster progress. Geaux Giddum Aviation offers a program ideal for both the career pilot and the life pilot.
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You can read more about the detailed requirements and the privileges various licenses give you on the FAA’s Becoming a Pilot Web Page.