UK cost sharing regulations have changed
Following extensive consultation, the CAA has introduced mandatory requirements for all cost-sharing flights. Here's everything you need to know and how to stay compliant.
Background
What's the story with UK Cost Sharing?
The regulations in the UK covering cost sharing have long been a source of confusion and argument amongst recreational aviators - with many believing that cost sharing flights are outright illegal, whilst others manage to run something equivalent of their own private charter company.
The UK's approach to cost sharing has historically been outlined as:
- There can be no profit made from the flight; and
- Only direct costs can be shared amongst passengers; also
- The pilot must make a 'contribution' towards those costs.
It's fair to say that these rules have tended to be on the lenient side and allow individuals to follow them as they're written, but not in spirit.
So, what's changed?
Since October 2025, a new regulation has been in force to regulate cost-sharing flights within the UK. This regulation mandates the minimum share the PIC must pay, the documentation and audit trail required from passengers, as well as mandatory disclosures during any advertising or when permitting passengers to fly with you.
UK CAA CAP 2270 - Consultation Document
One of the problems encountered when dealing with cost sharing flights is where pilots and passengers of Illegal Commercial Air Transport collude to present illegal flights as legal cost shared flights.
Implementation Timeline
Here's how the changes rolled out
2021-2022: Consultation Period
The CAA conducted extensive consultation with the aviation community on proposed changes to cost-sharing regulations.
Early 2025: Regulations Published
Updated Air Navigation Order published with final requirements and guidance documents (CAP 1590, CAP 1590A, and NCO.GEN.102).
October 1st, 2025: Mandatory Compliance
All cost-sharing flights must comply with these requirements. Non-compliance can result in regulatory action.
What's changed?
The regulations introduce several mandatory requirements for all cost-sharing flights
Passenger Declaration Forms
Every passenger must complete and sign a declaration form before the flight, acknowledging the recreational nature and risks.
Must be retained for 6+ months
Enhanced Advertising Rules
All flight advertisements must include specific pilot credentials, license type, experience hours, and aircraft details.
7 mandatory disclosure requirements
Group Size Limits
Maximum of 6 people per flight (including pilot). Stricter enforcement of cost-sharing principles and equal contribution requirements.
No profit allowed - direct costs only
Platform Charter Requirements
CAA recommends using only platforms signed to the UK Cost Sharing Charter for added consumer protection.
Enhanced safety and compliance oversight
"These changes strengthen consumer protection while maintaining the flexibility for pilots to share flying costs responsibly. The new requirements ensure passengers are fully informed about the nature of recreational flights."
How this impacts you
The practical implications for UK pilots sharing flight costs
More Paperwork
Every flight now requires passenger declarations, pilot statements, and 6+ months of document retention.
Compliance Risk
Non-compliance can result in CAA enforcement action. Missing or inadequate documentation is a regulatory risk.
Better Protection
Enhanced consumer protection and clearer expectations for all parties involved in cost-sharing arrangements.
What are the key facts?
Essential requirements every UK pilot needs to know about cost-sharing flights
Direct Costs Only
Only flight-specific costs (fuel, landing fees, hire) can be shared. Aircraft ownership costs are not permitted.
Common Purpose
For A-to-B flights, pilot and passengers must share a common purpose beyond just cost-sharing.
Equal Cost Sharing
Costs must be shared equally among all participants, though the pilot can choose to pay more.
Maximum 6 People
Including the pilot, maximum 6 people per cost-sharing flight. No age restrictions apply.
Safety Disclosure
Passengers must understand this is recreational flying, not commercial public transport.
6-Month Storage
Passenger declarations must be retained for minimum 6 months after each flight.
Why pilots choose Split My Flight
Three key benefits that make compliance effortless
Automated Collection
Enter flight details and passenger contacts – we handle everything else. Signatures collected, compliance document generated. It's that simple.
6-Month Storage
Regulatory requirement for 6-month document retention handled automatically. No paperwork in your flight bag affecting weight and balance calculations.
Completely Free
From account management to signature collection and document serving – everything is free. No excuses for non-compliance.
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