Sharing Aircraft Operating Expenses in Accordance with 14 CFR 61.113(c)
Sharing aircraft operating expenses — the FAA’s guidance on the narrow 61.113(c) cost-sharing exception for private pilots.
About this document
AC 61-142, Sharing Aircraft Operating Expenses in Accordance with 14 CFR § 61.113(c), consolidates the FAA's position on private-pilot cost-sharing. It explains that carrying passengers and sharing expenses is a form of compensation permitted only under a narrow exception: the pilot may share only the direct operating expenses, must pay at least a pro-rata share, and must have a bona fide common purpose with the passengers. It also addresses "holding out" and why broadly advertising for passengers is not permitted.
It ties together the FAA legal interpretations on this subject and is essential reading before any expense-shared flight.
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Take a free practice test →AC-61-142 is an official FAA publication in the public domain. We host a copy so you can read it in-browser; always confirm you are reading the current edition on faa.gov. The description above is an original summary and is a study aid, not a substitute for the document or the regulations.