Hi Tom,

Thanks for the question, I will offer some input and perhaps someone else can make sure I am close to being correct 

When it comes to 'hours' in a particular make and model of airplane, usually that is for airplanes that have retractable landing gear or a constant speed propeller or some other type of special equipment.

Your typical training airplane will usually only require a "check out" at another airplane rental place.  The check out will usually be slow flight, turns, landings, stalls and maybe some navigation.  You can not 'fail' this type of flight because an instructor does this, not an examiner.  The flight usually last an hour.  The people renting the airplane just want to make sure you are safe is all.

In your post you mentioned 'seat 4' - as you will learn or know generally a 4 seat airplane will not hold 4 adults from a WEIGHT perspective.  Your limiting issue is weight really, it all depends.  I used to say 3 people and some baggage for planning trips that lasted overnight.

I hope I got to the answer?  If not let me know.

Thanks for visiting Pilot Journey!