Remember you can fly under two different set of rules: VFR or IFR (
https://www.pea.com/blog/posts/vfr-ifr-mean/). Most private pilots flying for pleasure use VFR rules. The description that follows assumes that you are flying under VFR rules.
The main difference between privately piloting an aircraft or driving a car is the concept of airspaces (
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airspace_class) As a very brief and inaccurate summary:
- You don't need to contact any ATC in an E, F or G airspace (in fact, it won't be any ATC available in a G airspace) You can do whatever you want, whenever you want. You must follow the air rules, of course, but these rules are even simpler than driving rules. You are STRONGLY advised to notify the flying authorities about your route just in case of an emergency, but it is not really mandatory. E, F and G airspaces are around small-size airfields without a tower, or nearly everywhere in the countryside.
- You must notify the ATC about your intentions in a B, C or D airspace class at least 30 minutes before departure or arrival. You can cross B, C or D airspaces without prior notification, but you need to ask for clearance to the ATC. B, C and D airspaces are usually around medium-size airports or around the next class of airspace, the A airspace.
- If you are flying under VFR rules you CANNOT enter an A airspace. This airspace class is usually around busy airports, big cities or nearly everywhere above 10,000ft.
- Finally, there are some special areas without a specific class where no one is allowed to enter, such as military areas, natural parks, nuclear power plants...
As a pilot, you MUST ALWAYS KNOW IN WHICH AIRSPACE CLASS YOU ARE. The authorities and private companies (Jeppesen, for example) publish maps of the airspaces classes, advanced GPS system also show the airspace class you are at the moment, and you can also check webs like
http://www.skyvector.comRegarding where you can land or takeoff, it is extremely regulated. Even if you own a field, it must be registered as an airfield, the authorities will check if it is inside the correct airspace class and the surrounding area is suitable for flying operations.
If you fly using IFR rules, as most commercial pilots do, you must inform and follow preset routes and you usually stay inside A, B or C airspaces, always under the control of an ATC. Most pilots flying for pleasure do not fly under IFR rules, except if they are planning a really long route or crossing borders.