Solo flying gives you full pilot-in-command credit for every hour at the full hourly rate. Shared flying with a second instrument-rated pilot roughly halves your cost per hour but means you only log the legs you actually fly, so the calendar stretches. Neither is universally better. The right answer depends on whether your constraint is money or time, which logbook categories you still need, and whether you hold an Instrument Rating. This post compares both with actual numbers.
The Basic Trade
Solo flying costs the full wet rate and returns the full hour of pilot-in-command time. Shared flying splits the invoice between two pilots but each pilot only logs the portion of the flight they actually fly, unless the safety-pilot rules apply.
Running the Numbers
- Solo at $78/hr for 100 hours: $7,800 for 100 PIC hours.
- Shared at $78/hr split two ways over 200 tach hours: $7,800 each for roughly 100 logged hours each, plus additional safety-pilot time where the rules allow.
- The cash outlay per logged hour is broadly similar; the difference is that shared flying doubles the calendar time in the aircraft.
- Where sharing genuinely wins is simulated instrument work, because both seats can log credit on the same leg.
When Solo Is the Right Call
Choose solo when your constraint is calendar time rather than budget, when you need cross-country PIC specifically, or when you want the decision-making experience of operating alone into busy airspace. Solo flying is also simpler to schedule because you are not coordinating with another pilot's availability.
When Sharing Is the Right Call
Choose sharing when you and your partner both need simulated instrument time, when you want to halve the per-flight cash outlay, or when you are early in a build and want a second set of eyes on long unfamiliar routes. Our approach to pairing pilots is described on the shared time building page.
Logging Rules You Must Get Right
Only one pilot can be the acting pilot in command on any flight. The sole manipulator of the controls logs PIC when rated for the aircraft; a required safety pilot logs second-in-command time unless specifically designated as acting PIC. Getting this wrong on paper is a real problem at an airline interview.
A Hybrid Approach
Most pilots in our programme do both. They fly solo cross-countries to bank PIC and night time, then pair up for hood work and instrument proficiency. Rates for either approach are the same block ladder shown on our pricing page.
Making the Decision
Write down the categories you are short in, then pick the method that fills them fastest for the money you have. If you need cross-country PIC, fly solo. If you need instrument time and want to spread the cost, share. The logbook, not the preference, should decide.
Frequently asked questions
Do both pilots need an Instrument Rating to share hours?
For simulated instrument work, yes: the pilot under the hood must be instrument rated to log the approach practice meaningfully, and the safety pilot must be rated in category and class. For pure VFR sharing, only the pilot flying needs to be current.
Can two pilots log pilot-in-command time on the same flight?
In limited circumstances, yes. When one pilot flies under a view-limiting device, that pilot logs PIC as sole manipulator while the required safety pilot may log PIC if designated as the acting pilot in command. Only one of them can be the acting PIC.
Does shared flying hurt an airline application?
No, provided your logbook is accurate. Recruiters care that the hours are real and correctly categorised, not whether another pilot was in the right seat.