FAA Ground School Practice Test

What does the pro rata share rule apply to in private piloting?

1. Donation requirements for charitable flight

2. Share costs when flying companions

3. Operating costs only

4. All costs associated with flight

The correct answer is: Share costs when flying companions

The pro rata share rule specifically applies to sharing costs when flying companions. This regulation allows a private pilot to share the costs of a flight with passengers, provided that those costs are shared based on the pro rata approach, meaning that each passenger contributes a proportional amount relative to the flight expenses. Under this rule, expenses that can be shared include fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees for the aircraft. However, it does not permit the pilot to make a profit from the flight or to charge a fee beyond their actual expenses. This ensures that the sharing is fair and equitable among all participants while maintaining compliance with FAA regulations regarding private piloting. While operating costs or other flight expenses are relevant to overall flight costs, the emphasis of the pro rata share rule is specifically on dividing the costs with companions onboard rather than on all operational costs or through donations. Hence, the selected answer best reflects the application of the pro rata share rule in a private piloting context.