A Private Pilot License (PPL) is the most popular certificate held and a great place to start for those who are serious about learning how to fly. As a private pilot, you are required to obtain a third-class FAA medical certificate and pass a private pilot airplane knowledge and practical exam. The FAA minimum for the Private Pilot License is 40 hours of flight time, 10 of these hours as solo. once this license is achieved, you will be able to act as pilot-in-command in a single-engine aircraft under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).