4 ms·

And if other pilots are like me, destination is often irrelevant -- I have a general intention/desire to fly (log hours, stay current, etc.), and I'll go wherev

by bake 12y ago

And if other pilots are like me, destination is often irrelevant -- I have a general intention/desire to fly (log hours, stay current, etc.), and I'll go wherever weather, time and budget permit. If I want to log two hours of cross-country flight time on a given day, which I will do regardless of having a passenger, is it against regulation to let that ride-sharing passenger pick the destination and split the bill?

mcguire 12y ago
One thing to consider is whether, if the passenger wants to go somewhere where weather may not permit, you will fly there anyway. In other words, will you take more risks based on your passenger's desires? I am completely unaffiliated with the FAA, but I suspect that kind of thought process will be involved before they yank your ticket.
smackfu 12y ago
My reading is that would not be allowed, since your purpose of the flight (flying) is different from your passengers (getting from A to B).
sokoloff 12y ago
Under those facts as presented, the FAA counsel has ruled that fails the common-purpose test. A different set of facts might be able to be judged as legal. You: The weather is great this Saturday for 200 miles in every direction. I'm going flying for currency purposes. Anyone want to come along? Other: I want to go to Martha's Vineyard this weekend. You: I've heard there's a great restaurant on the airport there and I've always wanted to go. I've decided (just now) that I'm flying specifically to MVY this weekend. Would you like to come? Other: Yes. Can I pay for gas? You: Only half of it, because as a private pilot, I must pay my pro-rata share. If you did that, you're skirting right on the line, but I think you're legal. If the conversation goes like: You: The weather is great this Saturday for 200 miles in every direction. I'm going flying for currency purposes. Anyone want to come along? Other: I want to go to Martha's Vineyard this weekend. Could you take me? You: Sure; I'd love to do you the favor of taking you to someplace that I hadn't already decided to go! Other: Great. Can I pay for gas? You: Only half of it, because as a private pilot, I must pay my pro-rata share. That would be clearly illegal, per the FAA counsel interpretation and the demand for a "common purpose" to the trip which isn't met. (Oh, and by the way, isn't required by the FARs either, but it's been a consistent [and reasonable, IMO] policy interpretation.)
- bake 12y ago
  Long overdue response, but this is really helpful -- thanks for laying it out.
deleted 12y ago
[deleted]

by bake 12y ago

mcguire 12y ago

One thing to consider is whether, if the passenger wants to go somewhere where weather may not permit, you will fly there anyway. In other words, will you take more risks based on your passenger's desires? I am completely unaffiliated with the FAA, but I suspect that kind of thought process will be involved before they yank your ticket.

smackfu 12y ago

My reading is that would not be allowed, since your purpose of the flight (flying) is different from your passengers (getting from A to B).

sokoloff 12y ago

Under those facts as presented, the FAA counsel has ruled that fails the common-purpose test. A different set of facts might be able to be judged as legal. You: The weather is great this Saturday for 200 miles in every direction. I'm going flying for currency purposes. Anyone want to come along? Other: I want to go to Martha's Vineyard this weekend. You: I've heard there's a great restaurant on the airport there and I've always wanted to go. I've decided (just now) that I'm flying specifically to MVY this weekend. Would you like to come? Other: Yes. Can I pay for gas? You: Only half of it, because as a private pilot, I must pay my pro-rata share. If you did that, you're skirting right on the line, but I think you're legal. If the conversation goes like: You: The weather is great this Saturday for 200 miles in every direction. I'm going flying for currency purposes. Anyone want to come along? Other: I want to go to Martha's Vineyard this weekend. Could you take me? You: Sure; I'd love to do you the favor of taking you to someplace that I hadn't already decided to go! Other: Great. Can I pay for gas? You: Only half of it, because as a private pilot, I must pay my pro-rata share. That would be clearly illegal, per the FAA counsel interpretation and the demand for a "common purpose" to the trip which isn't met. (Oh, and by the way, isn't required by the FARs either, but it's been a consistent [and reasonable, IMO] policy interpretation.)

bake 12y ago
Long overdue response, but this is really helpful -- thanks for laying it out.

deleted 12y ago

[deleted]