The FAA requires the following

Question

Accepted Answer

Airplane Single Engine Rating
Total Time: 40 hours flying minimum which consists of at least:

Dual: 20 hours minimum of flight training with an instructor on the Private Pilot areas of operation.
Cost = $4,500

3 hours of cross country flight training in a single engine airplane;
3 hours of night flight training in a single engine airplane, that includes at least:
a) 1 cross country flight of over 100 nm total distance.
b) 10 T/O’s and 10 landings to a full stop with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern at an airport.
3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments in a single engine airplane.
3 hours of flight training in a single engine airplane within the 60 days prior to the practical test.
Cost = $2,700

Solo: 10 hours minimum of solo flying in a single engine airplane on the Private Pilot areas of operation. Cost = $1,750

5 hours of solo cross country flying;
1 solo cross country flight of at least 150nm total distance with full stop landings at 3 points and one segment of at least 50nm between T/O and landings; and
3 T/O’s and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.
Cost = $1,750

Pilot-Requirements

What does it take to become a private pilot?