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 Washington, D.C. appeals court ruled that flight-sharing websites like Flytenow.com violate FAA regulations by advertising for shared flights to the general public.
- The court found that advertising flights to the general public, even for pro rata expense sharing, constitutes "holding out" for commercial air service, which private pilots are prohibited from doing.
- Private pilots are still allowed to share "pro rata" flight expenses with passengers who have a "common purpose," provided the communication is limited to defined groups (e.g., friends or associates) rather than the general public.
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