Flying in the United States: a pilot's guide
In the US the FAA regulates flight under 14 CFR; the path runs Student to Private Pilot and beyond, with FAA medical certificates or BasicMed and a Class A to G airspace system.
The national authority
Civil aviation in the United States is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The rules live in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), which is in the public domain and freely searchable on eCFR.
Getting a licence (PPL and beyond)
The typical path is Student Pilot, then Private Pilot Certificate (PPL), with Instrument and Commercial ratings beyond. A PPL requires a minimum of 40 hours (often more in practice), a knowledge test, and a practical test (checkride) with an examiner. Instruction is given by an FAA Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI).
Medical requirements
Most pilots hold an FAA medical certificate (third, second or first class) from an Aviation Medical Examiner. BasicMed is an alternative for many private operations once an initial medical and the required course are completed.
Notable rules & airspace
The US uses Class A through G airspace, a 30 nm Mode C veil around Class B airports, and increasingly requires ADS-B Out. VFR weather minimums and cruising altitudes are set in Part 91.
Where to find the official rules
Read 14 CFR on the official eCFR site and consult the FAA's airman resources for current requirements.