Cost-shared flying: information notice

Cost-shared flying refers to a flight on a cost-sharing basis between a private pilot and their passengers. The flight is initiated by the pilot as part of their own flight project. Passengers may join and contribute to sharing the direct costs of the flight. The pilot does not carry out any commercial activity and cannot make a profit. Participants share only the direct costs of the flight (fuel, airport charges, aircraft rental, etc.).

Esifly facilitates the connection between pilots and passengers but is not a party to the transport agreement. The flight remains a non-commercial flight carried out under the responsibility of the pilot in command.

Cost-shared flying falls within the framework of Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 on air operations. This text defines the notion of non-commercial flights and sets out the conditions under which a private pilot may share costs with their passengers.

Cost-shared flights are permitted when they comply with the limits set by European regulations and by the competent civil aviation authority.

The Air OPS regulation (EU 965/2012) includes Part-NCO (Non- Commercial Operations), which governs non-commercial flights with non-complex motor-powered aircraft. Cost-shared flights must comply with these requirements, in particular regarding operational performance, passenger limitations and flight preparation.

The activity remains a private flight. The pilot retains complete control over the decision to take off and may cancel or modify the flight for safety reasons.

The pilot cannot be paid beyond the sharing of costs. They cannot offer commercial transport, nor act as an air operator. Any activity comparable to public transport is excluded from cost-shared flying.

Passengers contribute to the direct costs of the flight, shared among all occupants, including the pilot. No indirect cost or margin may be added. The platform displays only the cost contribution declared by the pilot.

Cost-shared flights must be operated with non-complex motor-powered aircraft (NCC excluded), operated on a non-commercial basis in accordance with Part-NCO. Maintenance, insurance and airworthiness conditions must be met.

The pilot is solely responsible for flight preparation, regulatory compliance, weather assessment, safety and the decision to operate. They must hold valid licences, ratings and medical certificates.

The pilot remains the pilot in command and may cancel the flight at any time if safety conditions are not met.

The passenger is informed that this is a cost-shared, non-commercial flight subject to Part-NCO rules. These flights are not operated by airlines and do not fall under the regulations applicable to public transport.

Schedules are indicative and may change depending on operational and weather conditions. The passenger accepts that priority is given to safety.

The aircraft used must have insurance covering passengers in accordance with European and national requirements. In the event of an incident, liability lies with the pilot and their insurer within the framework of a non-commercial flight.

A cost-shared flight does not fall under commercial air transport and operates within a safety framework distinct from that applicable to commercial aviation.

Esifly does not provide an air transport service and does not operate any aircraft. The platform acts as a technical intermediary to facilitate the connection between users.