Hobbs time versus tach time
A Hobbs meter is usually an oil-pressure or electrical hour meter: it runs whenever the engine (or sometimes the master switch) is on, so taxi, run-up, and idle all count. A tach meter counts engine revolutions and is marked in hours at a typical cruise RPM, so a flight that includes a long taxi often shows fewer tach hours than Hobbs hours — commonly around 10–20% less, sometimes written as a 1.10 or 1.15 Hobbs-to-tach ratio. Clubs pick one meter and set the hourly rate to match. Comparing a $160 tach rate with a $160 Hobbs rate is not an even comparison.
Wet versus dry rentals
A wet rate includes fuel. A dry rate does not; you buy fuel or you are billed for the burn. To compare, add gallons × price (or gph × hours × price) to the dry rate. If you are on a wet rate and bought fuel at another airport, many clubs credit that receipt against the wet charge — tick the fuel-credit box to model that.
Sharing the cost with passengers (14 CFR 61.113)
A private pilot may not fly for compensation or hire, but 61.113(c) allows the pilot and passengers to share “the operating expenses of a flight,” limited to fuel, oil, airport expenditures, and rental fees, provided the pilot pays a pro rata share. Splitting those expenses equally among everyone on board — including the pilot — is the usual way to stay inside that rule. The pilot cannot pay less than that share (that would be flying for a profit). Instruction is generally a training expense, not part of this passenger split, so this page keeps it on its own line.
Worked example
A 1.6-hour wet rental at $180/hr, a $15 landing fee, no instructor, and two passengers (three people including the pilot):
- Airplane $288 + fee $15 = $303 total, or about $189/hr.
- Equal share = $303 / 3 = $101. That is the minimum the private pilot should pay; the two passengers can share the remaining $202.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Hobbs time and tach time?
Hobbs usually runs whenever the engine or master is on. Tach runs with RPM and typically records less time on the same flight. The hourly rate should match the meter the FBO uses.
What is a wet rental rate versus a dry rate?
Wet includes fuel. Dry does not; add gallons × price to compare. A wet-rate fuel credit subtracts fuel you bought away from base.
Can a private pilot split the cost of a rental with passengers?
Yes, under 61.113(c), for fuel, oil, airport expenses, and rental fees, if the pilot pays at least a pro rata (equal) share and does not make a profit.
Does the pro-rata share include the instructor?
Usually not. This page splits operating expenses only and lists instruction separately.