I took the practical with 44 hours. To be fair though I was in an accelerated program where I flew 2 to 3 sorties a day until I was proficient. However, the must be balance. I would not recommend an accelerated program unless you are going from 0 to hero in a relatively short time. Reason 1: I trained in the same central Florida weather conditions daily for three weeks which did nothing to prepare me for flying in other weather conditions like you find in the PacNW. Crosswind landings continue to be the bane of my existence and high density altitude in under-powered airplanes has to be experienced to fully appreciate. Reason 2: After I finished training I didn't fly for 4 months and it felt like I was starting all over again. Unless you are strapped for cash slow your training down.