FNG What does ‘cheesy’ mean? I assume from the context it’s pejorative. Cheeky? Mean? Bad form? Poor show, old chap?
Assuming it means something along those lines, why is it “somewhat cheesy” for a PPL to ask for, or to expect, a contribution towards the cost of the flight? I agree it would be if a contribution was first mentioned after the flight but, if they agree in advance and are happy with the arrangement?
It’s one of those areas where the law eventually (possibly mid-80s ?) caught up with what was known to be a harmless and widespread practice. The prohibition was largely ignored, and very sensibly not enforced by the CAA, where a PPL and friends simply shared the cost of a flight. The CAA recognised that the practice was harmless and cost-sharing became legal provided the pilot complied with certain specified conditions.
It’s commendable that you don’t accept more than a beer from anyone who flies with you, but you are also fortunate to be a high earner. (I don’t know what you earn, but I know what you do so I’m reasonably confident in my assertion.
) You say a PPL is for having fun with ‘whilst gaily spending vast amounts of cash’, but many PPLs don’t have high incomes and don’t have vast amounts of cash to spend.
Many PPLs couldn’t afford to fly, or fly as often, if they didn’t cost share. Cost-sharing isn’t a means of making money, but of subsiding the high cost of flying. If everyone’s happy with the arrangement, what’s the problem? Friends may not ‘share the hobby’ but, if they are happy to share the cost in return for the experience, why do you disapprove? Flying is very expensive in this country. Surely you wouldn’t wish to see it restricted to the wealthy?
Advertising
Paul 101 asked for further details of the ‘no advertising’ rule in light of Beagle’s mention of restrictions on advertising cost sharing. When the law was changed, the CAA recognised that PPLs might wish to advertise within their club that they are planning a flight, accepted that was harmless and whilst, for obvious reasons, there is a general prohibition on public advertising of cost-sharing flights, an exception was made for members of the same club.
Are many people unfamiliar with the sharing of costs amongst four people rule? The question crops up on Pprune fairly regularly so I assume quite a few people are. You’re probably right that it’s covered in text books and PPL examinations, but I’m not entirely confident I could pass even the Air Law paper without some revision. (I’m totally confident I’d fail some of the others!)
We are used to understanding and remembering legal provisions. Don’t be too harsh on people who don’t have our skills, but have other skills we don’t have. IMHO and experience, most PPLs are merely concerned not to break the law and risk getting into trouble, rather than trying to find a dubious ‘fiddle’ to get around the law.