Just Want to Be Able to Fly?

If you want to fly during the day...not fly as a career...the FAA made it easier.

Less time required is less money. I will not shortcut any training though...you will still learn the way we teach everyone.

20 hours of flight time, including at least 15 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor in a single-engine airplane and at least 5 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in § 61.311, (not 40 hours like Private Pilot)

Including:

 (i) 2 hours of cross-country flight training, (ii) 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport, (iii) One solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nautical miles total distance, with a full-stop landing at a minimum of two points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations, and (iv) 2 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor on those areas of operation specified in § 61.311 in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test. 

The test bank is about 300 questions versus about 750.

I would still emphasize taking the same approach to learning on the ground though.

§ 61.303 says: if you have a U.S. driver's license you may fly any light-sport aircraft for which you hold the endorsements required for its category and class.

§ 61.303 says: (b)(3) Not have had his or her most recently issued medical certificate (if the person has held a medical certificate) suspended or revoked or most recent Authorization for a Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate withdrawn; and

(4) Not know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make that person unable to operate a light-sport aircraft in a safe manner.

§ 61.53 Prohibition on operations during medical deficiency.

(b) Operations that do not require a medical certificate.  For operations provided for in § 61.23(b) of this part, a person shall not act as pilot in command, or in any other capacity as a required pilot flight crewmember, while that person knows or has reason to know of any medical condition that would make the person unable to operate the aircraft in a safe manne

May have up to 4 seats but only allowed to carry 1 passenger.

Stall speed flaps up limit is 59 kts.

This includes many Cessna (150, 172, 182) and Piper aircraft.

Requires at least a Third-Class medical certificate or meet the requirements of BasicMed to operate at night...and some night training.

Class B, C, and D airspace: You must receive a logbook endorsement from an instructor to fly in these areas.

Training is required: The endorsement involves ground and flight training from a qualified instructor.

Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearances: You must be trained on how to obtain and follow ATC clearances for the specific airspace.

AC 61-146

AOPA FAQ