Pelican Parts Forums - How much to get a private pilots license?

I'd be wary of any school using "rope a dope" numbers based on the FAA mandated minimum of 40 hours. In reality, there are schools that will pound out your rating in 40 hours but you won't be all that competent - especially when it comes to the finer points of the aeronautical decision-making process.

50-60 hours for a competent PPL is more realistic.

I probably wouldn't let a family member get into an airplane with a 40.0-hour, newly-minted PPL. The shortest I ever signed someone off for a PPL checkride was (IIRC) about 45 hours. Most were in the 55-60-ish range. The one guy was exceptional and had some "unofficial" stick time when he came in.

Decide what's more important - doing it cheaply, or being truly competent when you get your certificate. For some doing it as cheaply as possible is fine/appropriate if they know they'll supplement their training with more "sole occupant" time after getting the piece of paper before carrying passengers. However, most people don't have that level of restraint and will want to show off to their spouse/kids/friends/whatever immediately. That's where problems can arise. If they go around the pattern a few times on a clear blue day, probably going to end fine. If (OTOH) they go up at night in an unfamiliar area, it could end badly. I personally witnessed a guy who did just that (new PPL with about 45 hours TT) who rented a plane and augered it in off of Malibu, killing himself and 3 passengers; the CFI who checked him out for the rental got a world of poo for that (wasn't me). It can and does happen. You need to weigh those things...