How can you fly with a private pilot to a small city airport?

Question

Is there a place where people who want to travel to a small town or city can meet up with private pilots with small planes who want help with the fuel costs and make some money back on their investment? Is the cost typically more or less than flying on a commercial outfit like United Express?

Answer 1

You might find someone willing to do this for you, but I doubt it. The Federal Aviation Regulations don't allow a Private Pilot to fly for hire, and the rules on "cost-sharing" are *really* strict. Most Private Pilots would avoid this scenario like the plague, especially with a stranger.

Commercial Pilots have more flexibility, but even for them, flying for hire is a mess. If they do it as a business it requires all sorts of paperwork, a special "checkride" and an operating certificate from the FAA.

As one poster indicated, you will find Fixed Base Operators (FBO's) at small airports that have aircraft for charter, but the prices will curl your hair.

Unless you know a pilot personally who's willing to fly you somewhere, you're probably better off buying an airline ticket or driving.

Sorry to throw water on your idea. Good outside-the-box thinking, though!

Answer 2

The place to go is your local small airport. There's bound to be one nearby. Just go up and walk around. You're sure to find a board for postings like what you're looking for. Make your own and pin it up.

Cost really depends on where you're going to and how it fits in with the pilot's schedule. You may be lucky, so might as well give it a try. There could be someone flying the route you want to take anyway, and could charge you a cheap rate.

Small airports often charter planes as well (ie. through their flight school). Just ask at the front desk how much it would cost to go where you want and find out. I doubt it would be cost effective though.

Answer 3

Almost ALL small airports can put you directly in touch with a pilot at their location who does exactly THAT on a regular basis. If you are going it alone the cost is typically higher, especially if you need to go on a date and time certain. If you are able to be a little flexible with your plans and can share the ride with others, typically much less.

Answer 4

If you are traveling a long way it is cheaper to fly commercial. Planes rental start at about $100 an hour for a two seater & go up from there. If not it would probably be easier to drive.