During training, you will work with your flight instructor to master the following maneuvers:

• safe takeoffs and landings;

• use of good judgment when flying and

• ability to keep control of the aircraft

Before flying solo, you must:

be familiar with some of the FAA's rules;
know the flight characteristics and operational limits of the make and model of the aircraft you will fly;
pass a simple written test of your flying knowledge;
pass a medical examination and obtain a medical certificate (this becomes your student pilot license); and
receive your instructor's endorsement on your student pilot's license indicating you are competent to make solo flights.

To receive your private pilot license you must take and pass your final check ride with a FAA check pilot.  You will also need:

a minimum of 40 hours of flight time: 20 hours of dual instruction, including:
3 hours of dual cross country;
3 hours of dual night time with 10 takeoffs and landings; and
3 hours of preparation of time with your instructor within a 60-day period from the flight test.
10 hours of solo flight time, including:
5 hours of solo cross country (1 flight of 150 miles or more with three stops): and
3 takeoffs and landings at an airport with a control tower

These are minimum times.  The amount of instruction time it takes for each student to learn the maneuvers varies.  The national average is approximately 60 hours of flight time logged before a student pilot takes their practical flight test.