In a closely watched case that should put to an end the discussion about the formation of “Uber services for the skies,” a Washington, D.C. appeals court ruled against flight-sharing website Flytenow.com on December 18, finding that the site does indeed violate FAA regulations that prohibit private pilots from advertising for shared flights in exchange for flight expenses.
Ridesharing Site Flytenow Loses Court Battle with FAA
Key Takeaways:
- A D.C. appeals court ruled against flight-sharing website Flytenow.com, stating it violates FAA regulations by allowing private pilots to advertise shared flights for expense sharing.
- While private pilots are permitted to share "pro rata" flight expenses with passengers who have a "common purpose" for the trip, advertising these flights to the general public constitutes "holding out" for commercial air service, which is prohibited.
- The ruling clarifies that pilots can still arrange expense-sharing flights by communicating offers within defined and limited groups of friends or associates.
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