Private Pilot Training

What is required for a Private Pilot Certificate?

40 hrs total time including:
(All time, distance, etc, are minimums. Actual results may vary.)

20 hrs dual instruction time:

3 hrs dual night flying including;
1 night cross country of over 100NM
10 takeoffs and 10 full stop landings

3 hrs simulated instrument training (this does not make you qualified, or legal, to fly into clouds, but does give you a chance to save your butt if you do by mistake)

3 hrs of test prep within the 60 days preceding taking the check ride

10 hrs solo flight time including:

Pre-solo test completed

1 cross country consisting of at least 150 NM total distance with full stop landings at 3 airports.

3 takeoffs and full stop landings at a tower controlled airport.

FAA written exam passed

Oral exam and practical check ride with an FAA designated examiner

3rd class medical certificate

Pictured is the 1977 Cessna 172 I have been using in my training.
Twin Oaks has three 172s, each a little different, all of which I'll have flown at some point by the time my training is complete. Twin Oaks also has 4 Cessna 150s (which I'm too tall for), and a Piper Cherokee (I'll fly at some point), available for primary training.