Cost-sharing rules
AviHop connects private pilots and passengers for non-commercial cost-shared flights. These flights are legal in most of Europe and elsewhere — under strict conditions everyone must understand.
What is a cost-shared flight?
A private pilot plans a flight and shares the direct costs (fuel, airfield fees, aircraft rental) with the people on board. The pilot must pay at least their own proportional share. No profit may be made, and there is no employment or commercial relationship — you are joining a private flight, not buying a ticket.
The EU/EASA rules in short
Under EU Air Operations rules (Regulation (EU) 965/2012, as amended), cost-shared flights by private individuals are allowed when the direct costs are shared between all occupants — pilot included — with a maximum of six occupants in the aircraft including the pilot, and no profit is made. AviHop automatically limits the number of seats a listing may offer on affected routes.
United Kingdom specifics
The UK CAA allows cost-sharing under similar conditions and additionally expects clear advertisement of the flight as cost-shared and an electronic passenger declaration. For flights departing the UK booked through AviHop, the declaration is generated automatically when the pilot confirms your booking and is retained for six months as required.
What cost-sharing is NOT
Cost-shared flights are not commercial air transport. Charters, air-taxi services, sightseeing for profit, or any flight where the pilot earns money are not allowed on AviHop. Pilots holding commercial licenses are welcome, but every flight listed here must remain a genuine private cost-sharing arrangement.
Safety expectations
Private flying does not meet the safety standards of commercial air transport. Small aircraft are more affected by weather; delays and cancellations are normal and part of the culture — a pilot who cancels because of weather is doing their job. Never pressure a pilot to fly, and expect your pilot to cancel whenever conditions are not right. AviHop never penalizes weather or safety cancellations.
Money
AviHop processes no payments and takes no commission. The displayed cost per seat is the agreed contribution to direct costs, settled between you and the pilot directly (typically in cash on the day). Never send money in advance to someone you have not flown with.
This page is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Operators and pilots remain responsible for complying with the regulations applicable to their flight. References: Regulation (EU) 965/2012; UK CAA cost-sharing flight guidance; EASA Charter on the promotion of safety in non-commercial general aviation.