I'am a private pilot in Las Vegas. If you go to kingschools.com or AOPA.org (I think might be .com) or got to sporty's pilot shop and get dvd's and a Jeppeson (private pilot) book, you can cut you're time and money in half with an instructor lookin at $100/hr for cessna 172 $40/hr for instructor. Make sure you like youre instructor. You will want to start as a vfr pilot (visual flight rules) and if you like it move on to IFR (Insrument flight rules) to fly in bad weather and night. It will take you 4-6 months if you go 2-3 times a week. Most schools at small airports have schools that will give you a courtesy flight or goto aopa.org (google aopa and king schools) and get started. It is such a joy, you will need a health certificate before you solo, your school will give you accredited drs to go to. Get you're vision checked before you do and don't do any alchohal or drugs, because you get piss tested. PM me for more info. Once you're a pilot, you'll be part of an elite club were everyone are friends.