FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)RegulationsMedium
A private pilot plans to fly three friends on a weekend trip in a rented helicopter and wants to split the total cost of the rental and fuel equally among all four occupants. Under 14 CFR 61.113, is this arrangement permitted?
- ANo, a private pilot may never accept payment of any kind from passengers
- BYes, but only if the flight remains entirely within one state
- CNo, this is only permitted if the pilot holds a commercial pilot certificate
- DYes, provided the pilot pays at least a pro rata share of the operating expenses
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Yes, provided the pilot pays at least a pro rata share of the operating expenses
14 CFR 61.113(c) allows a private pilot to share the operating expenses of a flight with passengers, provided the pilot pays at least a pro rata share, which may be no less than an equal share among all occupants, including the pilot. Splitting costs equally among four occupants satisfies this requirement.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Private pilots may share expenses under specific conditions; this is not an absolute prohibition.
- B. State boundaries have no bearing on the expense-sharing rule.
- C. A commercial certificate is not required for a legitimate pro rata expense-sharing flight.
Shared Expenses (61.113(c))
A private pilot may share operating expenses of a flight with passengers, provided the pilot pays at least a pro rata share, including fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or aircraft rental fees.
- Pilot must pay at least equal share among occupants
- Limited to fuel, oil, airport fees, and rental costs
- Cannot be used to hold out as a common carrier
- Distinct from compensation for hire, which requires a commercial certificate
Memory trick: Split the gas bill evenly — pilot pays their fair share, not less.