No, you can "home-study" for the knowledge tests, aka---book
learning. But you must have a certified flight instructor
for in-flight training and to supervise your solo training
flights. Airplanes are rented by the hour for student
pilots, under the supervision of a flight instructor.

You should consider the new Sport Pilot certificate which
was created recently to allow the fastest and least
expensive path to a pilot certificate [license]. See
http://www.sportpilot.org/ to get started.

You can find the FAA rules at
http://www.faa.gov/regulations_polic...a_regulations/

Look for Part 61


--
James H. Macklin
ATP,CFI,A&P

--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.
some support
http://www.usdoj.gov/olc/secondamendment2.htm
See http://www.fija.org/ more about your rights and duties.


"nick" wrote in message
ups.com...
| What's the easiest way for me to fly without commiting to
an expensive
| school? Can I home study for the FAA test, and then rent a
plane for
| the 40 hrs. needed?
|