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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-pro-rata-share

When a private pilot flies friends and splits costs, what is the least the pilot may pay?

Their pro rata share of fuel, oil, airport fees or rental.

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  1. Nothing, if passengers pay for everything
  2. Half of the total, no matter how many fly
  3. Their pro rata share of the operating expenses ✔

Why: A private pilot may not pay less than the pro rata share of a flight's operating expenses, and only fuel, oil, airport expenditures or rental fees count. With three people flying, the pilot pays at least one third.

Huh, didn't know that: With four people aboard, the pilot must pay at least one quarter of the allowed shared expenses.

The dad joke
I offered to split the fuel bill three ways. My friends were thrilled until they saw the plane was a fuel hog.
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References

Answer: Their pro rata share of the operating expenses. A private pilot may not pay less than the pro rata share of a flight's operating expenses, and only fuel, oil, airport expenditures or rental fees count. With three people flying, the pilot pays at least one third.

  1. 14 CFR 61.113 Private pilot privileges and limitations www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-61.113
    A private pilot may not pay less than the pro rata share of the operating expenses of a flight with passengers
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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