Understanding Expense-Sharing Flights: Guidance from the FAA

At LIFT Aviation, safety and compliance are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we believe it’s essential to highlight the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) guidance on expense-sharing flights. This Advisory Circular (AC) provides clarity on how pilots can share flight expenses with passengers while staying consistent with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR).

This document is rooted in the FAA’s longstanding interpretation of the rules governing expense-sharing and their relation to operations requiring a 14 CFR Part 119 Operating Certificate. While advisory in nature and not legally binding, it offers valuable insights into acceptable practices, ensuring compliance with existing statutes and regulations.

Understanding these guidelines is crucial for pilots and passengers alike, as they promote transparency, accountability, and alignment with FAA regulations. At LIFT Aviation, we’re committed to helping our clients navigate the complexities of private aviation, ensuring every operation prioritizes safety, compliance, and trust. This AC serves as a vital resource for anyone involved in expense-sharing flights, emphasizing the importance of adherence to FAA policies and fostering clarity in private aviation operations.

Sharing Aircraft Operating Expenses

Ensuring Safety and Compliance in Aircraft Leasing

At LIFT, we prioritize safety, transparency, and regulatory compliance in every aspect of our operations. Understanding the complexities of aircraft leasing is critical for anyone involved in such agreements. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an Advisory Circular (AC) to provide guidance for lessees and conditional buyers of U.S.-registered aircraft, ensuring clarity around the concept of operational control—a legal responsibility that remains independent of aircraft size or the number of aircraft operated.

This AC is a crucial resource for those entering into lease agreements, emphasizing the importance of clearly defining and maintaining operational control. Misunderstandings or misrepresentations in this area can lead to significant safety concerns and legal liabilities. Whether you are leasing an aircraft or planning a charter, this guidance equips you with the knowledge to make informed decisions, prioritize safety, and navigate regulatory requirements with confidence.

At LIFT Aviation, we are dedicated to helping our clients understand their roles and responsibilities, ensuring every agreement is transparent, compliant, and focused on the highest standards of aviation safety.

Truth in Leasing

Understanding Aircraft Dry Leasing: A Key to Compliance and Safety

At LIFT Aviation, we believe that clarity and compliance are essential when it comes to aircraft leasing. Dry leasing plays a pivotal role in the aviation industry, offering owners and operators an effective tool for financing, risk management, tax planning, and fleet expansion. However, with the FAA’s recent emphasis on combating illegal charters, it’s more important than ever to navigate leasing arrangements with a clear understanding of applicable regulations.

This guide provides valuable insights into the rules governing aircraft dry leasing in the U.S., helping individuals and businesses optimize aircraft ownership and operations under non-commercial regulations. It also highlights how proper leasing practices protect legitimate air charter operators from unfair competition and ensure the safety of the flying public.

Whether you’re an owner, operator, or prospective lessee, this resource underscores the importance of compliant leasing arrangements, empowering you to make informed decisions while upholding the highest standards of safety and regulatory integrity. At LIFT Aviation, we are committed to guiding you through these complexities with professionalism and expertise.

Dry Leasing Guide

What is Dry Leasing?

A Dry Lease is a formal agreement that transfers Operational Control of an aircraft from the owner (Lessor) to another party (Lessee). Under this arrangement, the Lessee assumes Operational Control and becomes the “Operator” of the aircraft during the specified access period. The success of a compliant Dry Lease Agreement relies on all parties having a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities as outlined in the agreement. Equally important is strict adherence to the terms stated in the agreement to ensure compliance and proper execution of the lease.

What is Dry Leasing

Dry Lease: Red Flags To Look For

At LIFT Aviation, we prioritize keeping our clients informed about potential red flags to look for in Dry Leasing. Not all aircraft dry lease companies are created equal, and understanding the details is crucial. The FAA has provided a downloadable guide to help you navigate these complexities. With LIFT Aviation, you can trust that we’re always a step ahead in ensuring clarity, compliance, and confidence in your dry leasing experience.

Dry Lease Red Flags

Understanding the Distinction Between Private and Common Carriage

LIFT Aviation is dedicated to ensuring our clients have a clear understanding of the regulatory framework governing air transportation operations. The FAA’s advisory circular provides crucial guidance on distinguishing between private carriage and common carriage, two terms that directly impact the operational and economic authority requirements for air transportation providers.

Whether you’re involved in interstate or foreign commerce, understanding these distinctions is essential. Common carriage requires compliance with FAR Parts 121 or 135, while private carriage operates under different rules, such as FAR Parts 125 or 91. This knowledge is critical for maintaining regulatory compliance and avoiding potential legal pitfalls.

By staying informed, LIFT Aviation clients can navigate these regulations with confidence, ensuring their operations remain efficient, safe, and fully compliant.

Private Carriage vs Common Carriage of Persons and Property

Updated Duty and Rest Guidelines: A Critical Resource for Business Aviation

LIFT Aviation recognizes the importance of effective fatigue management in ensuring safety and operational excellence in business aviation. The updated Duty and Rest Guidelines for Business Aviation, developed by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF), reflect advancements in fatigue science over the past two decades.

This comprehensive update evaluates the effectiveness of existing guidelines, incorporates lessons from global accident and incident data, and integrates input from scientific and industry experts. The result is a set of guidelines tailored to the unique challenges of business aviation while supporting modern fatigue management practices.

These guidelines are an essential tool for operators, providing practical strategies to maintain safety margins while navigating the complexities of duty and rest scheduling. By staying informed and implementing these recommendations, business aviation professionals can align their operations with industry-leading standards.

Duty/Rest Guidelines for Business Aviation