When thinking about getting a private pilot certificate (PPL is the jargon for it, as in Private Pilot License), most people are worried about the cost, difficulty and time investment (not necessarily in that order). By the way, the PPL is not the "lowest" private pilot certification one can hold to fly solo (the recreational pilot license allows that), but it is the one that allows you to fly virtually anywhere in the US (or outside) provided the weather is "good enough" (below certain minimums, you need an instrument rating, which is not part on the PPL training).
This section provide some information on what you might want to know before getting started. This is of course for information only: the only valid requirements and regulations are to be found in the official FAA literature (we doubt anyone would be dumb enough to doubt that, but I guess we have to state it...)

The requirements for the PPL are Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 61, Subpart E, §61.102 to 61.120. In short, for a single engine rating, you need:

• A minimum of 40 hours of training, including at least 20 with an instructor, and 10 solo

• 3 hours of cross-country training, and 3 hours of night flight training, including a cross-country of at least 100 nautical miles, and 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop

• 3 hours of training on the control and maneuvering only by reference to instruments

• in the 10 hours of solo flight, 5 hours of cross-country (with one cross-country of at least 10 nautical miles, with landings at three different airports, two of them being at least 50 nautical miles apart), and 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower

In addition, you need to be found medically fit (the requirements are not very stringent), and to pass a written knowledge test. You prepare for the latter with appropriate manuals you can purchase from almost any FBO, or order online. There's also a book (know as the Gleim book or red book), which contains all the questions that can be asked on the test. The last step is a practical test with an FAA examiner, and bingo, you're a pilot!

That's for the theory. In practice, the national average lately has been around 65 hours of training. You can keep your training time in the 50s by flying regularly (once a week being a minimum), and getting rid of the written test early (in order not to find yourself ready for the practical test before you passing the written: you would still need to fly to keep sharp). In any case, flying regularly is the key.

What about the cost? If you know the rates of the plane and instruction, and add the cost of manuals and exams, plus some supply, you can certainly do the math for yourself. Chances are you'll be near $5000. That may seem like a lot of money (and it probably is), but you fortunately don't pay up-front, rather in the course of six months to a year. And, if you can afford it, most clubs offer discount rates (called block rates) if you pay a certain minimum at a time (anywhere between $500 and $1500 depending on the clubs).

Check the FAQ section on East Coast Aero Club homepage.

and have a good flight!