FAA Regulations for a Private Pilot License

The Federal Aviation Administration imposes different rules for pilots depending on the level of their licenses.
The lowest level of license is for a student pilot. This license allows the pilot to fly under carefully controlled situations. Recreational pilots are allowed to fly on their own during the daytime but with restrictions on the horsepower of the planes they are allowed to fly. Also, they must not fly in areas that require contact with air traffic control operators.
A private pilot's license allows the holder to fly both day and night for pleasure as well as for personal business. They can carry passengers, but in general, not for payment.

Medical Certificate

A private pilot needs to pass a medical exam administered by an FAA-authorized medical examiner. It is best to have the exam before beginning any pilot training so that any problems can be discovered as soon as possible. Private pilots can often be granted medical certificates despite physical disabilities. However, the licenses granted to physically disabled pilots are often conditioned on limitations on their flying.

Student Pilot Certificate

Before private pilots receives their licenses, they must first obtain a student certificate. A student pilot can receive a certificate at the time of his or her FAA medical examination. A student certificate expires after two years. A student pilot must earn the endorsement of a flight instructor to fly solo and then to fly cross country. A separate endorsement is required for each type of plane the student pilot intends to fly. When a certificate expires after two years, a student pilot may obtain a new one. But student pilots should also keep their old certificates, as their instructors' endorsements to fly solo, cross country and in different kinds of planes will not transfer to a new certificate.

Testing

Private pilots must pass both a written test and a practical examination.
The written test can be taken at age 15. The questions in the written test are based on Section 61.105 of the FAA regulations. The written test can be taken after the student pilot completes ground school.
In the practical exam, the student pilots an actual flight that is judged by an FAA flight inspector. As soon as the flight inspector's endorsement is received, the private pilot's license is active.

Responsibilites

A licensed private pilot holds the ultimate authority and responsibility for the operation of a plane. If there is an emergency that requires the pilot to deviate from flight rules, the pilot may be required to send a written explanation to an FAA administrator. The pilot must determine the airworthiness of an aircraft. If there is a problem in flight that interferes with airworthiness, the pilot is responsible for ending the flight. The pilot is required to always fly in a careful and safe manner.

Drugs and Alcohol

Private pilots are prohibited from consuming alcohol within eight hours prior to a flight or from flying while under the influence of a drug that affects their faculties. Private pilots are also prohibited from carrying passengers who appear to be intoxicated and from knowingly carrying narcotics.