Attend flight training at a local flight club, airport, or flight school for training. There are many schools dedicated entirely to aviation, as well as many colleges or small airports that provide flight instruction. Training received through flight clubs or airports usually requires private study time with appropriate textbooks, rather than classroom training found in flight schools. For most private level certification, a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, and an exam administered by an FAA-designated testing center is required. The exam is computer generated, contains 60 multiple choice questions and must be passed with a score of 70 percent or better.
Fly and log an additional 20 to 50 hours of flight time including sessions with an instructor conducting cross country flights, solo training flights, and solo cross country flights.
Complete a check ride with an FAA designated pilot examiner, which is an evaluation of your flight performance skills. The check ride begins with an oral exam covering your knowledge level and it covers steps for pre-planned cross country flights. It lasts around one hour. Next you will be evaluated on your flight skills including basic maneuvers, navigation skills, takeoffs and landings. Once the check ride has been successfully completed, you will be issued your private pilot's license, or PPL and are then an FAA certified pilot.