Renting an Airplane Isn't Always Easy. Here's Why.

Renting an Airplane Isn’t Always Easy. Here’s Why.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, November 08, 2022 at 03:23 PM ET

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A renter studying POH before flight. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]

Key Takeaways:

Renting an airplane is a rigorous, multi-step process, far more complex than car rental, primarily due to FBO insurance requirements.
The checkout involves a thorough review of the pilot's certificates, medicals, and logbook to assess experience, flight frequency, and type, with specific requirements for advanced aircraft, night flying, or overnight trips.
Pilots must complete an open-book ground test on aircraft systems, local airspace, and FARs, followed by a practical flight evaluation covering maneuvers, navigation, and emergency procedures.
Student pilot solo endorsements typically do not transfer between FBOs, requiring a new instructor to re-evaluate and re-endorse skills and knowledge according to FAR 61.87.

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To rent a car in the United States you have to be at least 25 years old, have a valid credit card, and hold a valid driver’s license. After a few minutes of paperwork, and you’re out the door. Renting an airplane is nowhere near that quick or easy—aircraft rental involves a logbook review, an open-book test to be reviewed with a CFI, and a checkout flight of (usually) at least one hour.

Most FBOs have a story about a customer who wanted to rent an airplane but left in frustration because they thought the rental requirements were excessive and they were being milked for money, or the CFI was angling for more time. Please believe me when I tell you that the rental checkout is usually not a money grab—the requirements for rental checkout are usually set forth by the FBO’s insurance carrier.