FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsHard
A sport pilot agrees to split the cost of a cross-country flight with a friend who wants to come along. According to 14 CFR 61.113, the sport pilot may do this as long as
- Athe passenger is a certificated pilot who can log the flight time as well
- Bthe passenger pays the entire cost of the flight so the pilot flies for free
- Cthe flight is conducted for a charitable organization
- Dthe pilot pays no less than the pro rata share of the operating expenses, such as fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. the pilot pays no less than the pro rata share of the operating expenses, such as fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees
14 CFR 61.113(c) allows a sport pilot to share the operating expenses of a flight with a passenger, provided the pilot pays at least the pro rata share of the expenses involving only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or aircraft rental fees. This prevents the flight from being considered compensation or hire, which sport pilots are not permitted to receive.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The passenger's certification status is irrelevant to the expense-sharing rule.
- B. This would make the pilot's flight essentially compensated, which is prohibited.
- C. Charitable flights have separate rules under 91.146 and are not the general exception being tested here.
Pro Rata Expense Sharing (61.113(c))
A private or sport pilot may share flight expenses with passengers as long as the pilot pays at least an equal share of fuel, oil, airport fees, or rental costs.
- Applies to fuel, oil, airport expenditures, and rental fees only
- Pilot must pay at least the pro rata share
- Prevents flight from being classified as compensation or hire
Memory trick: 'Split the bill, not skip the bill' — pilot pays their fair share.