Author Topic: Renting a Plane  (Read 16361 times)

Offline kylepetten

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Renting a Plane
« on: April 30, 2011, 10:37:13 PM »
Hello, I am not yet a pilot. But I am in training. I am wondering how renting a plane, such as a 172 works. I hear that it is charged by the hour. I'm guessing that is flying hours? Also, what if I wanted to take the plane on an extended trip? For example, if I want to fly from Newfoundland to Quebec for a hockey game over a weekend, do I get charged (based on the average) while the plane is not in use? Let me know how it works please! Cheers!



Offline dentaylor

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Re: Renting a Plane
« Reply #1 on: May 01, 2011, 12:42:19 AM »
Rental times are usually charged by Hobbs meter which runs when the engine runs. You may pay either a 'Dry' or 'Wet' rate. The 'Wet' rate will include fuel in the rental charge.

As for keeping the plane overnight, you'll have to check with the plane owner as owners' policies will vary. I would expect a minimum usage (x hours of Hobbs time) per day that you have the plane. For example, my flying club requires 2 hours of billable time per day that I keep the plane.


Offline StuSEL

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Re: Renting a Plane
« Reply #2 on: May 01, 2011, 12:45:49 AM »
Hi Kyle!

Renting varies from place to place, but this is generally how it works. There is a schedule, either online or in the FBO, where a list of reservations are maintained. You pick out the date and times you need the plane, and your name appears on the schedule for that date and time. Of course, that depends on the aircraft's availability. Sometimes the aircraft has to go in for maintenance, it's been reserved for someone else, etc.

You are charged a rate that is usually based off of the Hobbs time. In most piston airplanes, flying hours are determined two ways: The tachometer time, or the Hobbs time. The Hobbs meter starts ticking when you turn on the aircraft battery, and the Tach time starts ticking when the engine RPM is revved up to a certain point. Most places charge by Hobbs, but you can be charged for tach at others. It just depends.

If you want to take an airplane out for an extended period of time, you will either encounter some sort of surcharge, or you will be charged the equivalent of a certain number of hours. For instance, out of my FBO, if I want to take a plane out for a 12-hour period, I get charged for a minimum of 3 hours of flight time, plus any additional flying time I do above 3 hours. If I take out a plane for 12 hours to do a two-hour flight, the FBO charges me for 3 hours of flight time, so it is economical for me to plan to fly for at least three hours.

Fuel is either included in the hourly rental cost; this is called renting "wet." When you rent "dry," you have to pay for the fuel, but the rental rate is usually cheaper.

Rental rates are dependent on the aircraft category, type, avionics, etc.

Offline kylepetten

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Re: Renting a Plane
« Reply #3 on: May 01, 2011, 11:32:04 AM »
Rental times are usually charged by Hobbs meter which runs when the engine runs. You may pay either a 'Dry' or 'Wet' rate. The 'Wet' rate will include fuel in the rental charge.

As for keeping the plane overnight, you'll have to check with the plane owner as owners' policies will vary. I would expect a minimum usage (x hours of Hobbs time) per day that you have the plane. For example, my flying club requires 2 hours of billable time per day that I keep the plane.

Hi Kyle!

Renting varies from place to place, but this is generally how it works. There is a schedule, either online or in the FBO, where a list of reservations are maintained. You pick out the date and times you need the plane, and your name appears on the schedule for that date and time. Of course, that depends on the aircraft's availability. Sometimes the aircraft has to go in for maintenance, it's been reserved for someone else, etc.

You are charged a rate that is usually based off of the Hobbs time. In most piston airplanes, flying hours are determined two ways: The tachometer time, or the Hobbs time. The Hobbs meter starts ticking when you turn on the aircraft battery, and the Tach time starts ticking when the engine RPM is revved up to a certain point. Most places charge by Hobbs, but you can be charged for tach at others. It just depends.

If you want to take an airplane out for an extended period of time, you will either encounter some sort of surcharge, or you will be charged the equivalent of a certain number of hours. For instance, out of my FBO, if I want to take a plane out for a 12-hour period, I get charged for a minimum of 3 hours of flight time, plus any additional flying time I do above 3 hours. If I take out a plane for 12 hours to do a two-hour flight, the FBO charges me for 3 hours of flight time, so it is economical for me to plan to fly for at least three hours.

Fuel is either included in the hourly rental cost; this is called renting "wet." When you rent "dry," you have to pay for the fuel, but the rental rate is usually cheaper.

Rental rates are dependent on the aircraft category, type, avionics, etc.

Much appreciated! Thanks to both of you! Safe flying!