Applicability and eligibility requirements:

To be eligible for a recreational pilot certificate, a person who applies for that certificate must:
(1) Be at least 17 years of age;
(2) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft;
(3) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who --
    (i) Conducted the training or reviewed the applicant's home study on the aeronautical knowledge; and
    (ii) Certified that the applicant is prepared for the required knowledge test.
(4) Pass the required knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas;
(5) Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor; and
    (i) Certified that the applicant is prepared for the required practical test.
(6) Meet the aeronautical experience requirements ;
(7) Pass the required practical test on the areas of operation that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought; and

Aeronautical experience:

A person who applies for a recreational pilot certificate must receive and log at least 30 hours of flight training time that includes at least:
(a) 15 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor on the areas of operation that consists of at least:
    (1) 2 hours of flight training en route to an airport that is located more than 25 nautical miles from the airport where the applicant normally trains, which includes at least three takeoffs and three landings at the airport located more than 25 nautical miles from the airport where the applicant normally trains; and
    (2) 3 hours of flight training in the aircraft for the rating sought in preparation for the practical test within the 60 days preceding the date of the practical test.
(b) 3 hours of solo flying in the aircraft for the rating sought.