Definition
An equal division of the operating expenses of a flight among the pilot and the passengers. Under FAA rules, a private or recreational pilot who is not being compensated for piloting services may share the direct operating costs of a flight with passengers only if the pilot pays at least an equal portion of those costs. Direct operating expenses are limited to fuel, oil, airport expenditures, and aircraft rental fees.
Plain English
Each person on the flight, including the pilot, pays the same equal portion of the flight's running costs. The pilot is not allowed to fly for free or at a discount while passengers cover more than their fair share.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA rules about what a recreational pilot may and may not do when carrying a passenger and sharing flight costs.
Derivation
From the Latin pro rata, meaning 'according to the rate' or 'in proportion.' In aviation, it signals that costs must be divided in proportion to the number of people on board, including the pilot.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures fair and documented cost allocation that prevents disputes and supports legal agreements in joint ownership.
Intuition Check
Do not read “share” as “whatever amount the people agree on.” In this FAA context, it means the pilot must pay at least a proportional part of the allowed flight expenses.
Example Sentence 1
Because the flight had four people on board, the pilot calculated her pro rata share of the fuel and rental costs and paid one-quarter herself.
Example Sentence 2
After logging the month's flights, each pilot paid their pro rata share of the fuel and tie-down fees.