Looking for a faster, more affordable way to build flight hours? A shared time-building program may be the ideal fit for your aviation goals.
This approach allows pilots to split aircraft time and costs with others. It also helps them gain real-world flight experience while significantly reducing expenses. It’s a smart, flexible option for those pursuing a Private Pilot License, Commercial Certificate, or preparing for ATP minimums.
Flight Time has a structured shared time-building program. It provides access to well-maintained aircraft, experienced instructors, and 24/7 scheduling. We help you stay on track without delays.
In this guide, we’ll explore how shared time-building works, its key benefits, and how to launch or join a program that matches your needs.
What Is a Shared Time-Building Program?
A shared time-building program lets you gain flying hours by sharing aircraft use with other students. It keeps costs lower and offers more flexibility. Understanding how it works and how it stands apart from other programs helps you decide if it’s right for your aviation goals.
Definition and Purpose
Shared time-building is a flight training option where you split aircraft hours and operating costs with other pilots. Instead of renting a plane just for yourself, you fly alongside or take turns with others. This setup reduces the price of hourly flight time.
The main goal is to help you accumulate the flight hours required by the FAA at an affordable rate. These hours are essential for moving from basic licenses to advanced ratings or airline readiness. This approach makes it easier to gain real-world experience without paying full private rates.
A shared time-building program offers access to well-maintained single and multi-engine planes, so you can build hours efficiently across a wide range of flight types.
How Shared Time Differs From Other Building Programs
Unlike solo time-building, where you rent and fly alone, shared time splits the plane time and costs among multiple students. This means lower hourly fees, but you may have to coordinate scheduling more closely.
Traditional flight training programs often bundle costs and limit flexibility. Shared time-building gives you more control over when and how long you fly, which can speed up your training if you can fly frequently.
Shared time also opens opportunities to fly diverse routes, including cross-country trips throughout the southeast and Caribbean. These real-flight experiences prepare you better than simulator-only hours or classroom-only programs.
What Are the FAA Rules for Sharing Aircraft Expenses?
Shared time-building helps reduce training costs, but it’s important to follow FAA rules when sharing flight time and expenses. According to FAA regulations under 14 CFR § 61.113(c), private pilots may share “operating expenses” with passengers. However, this is only permitted under specific conditions.
Here’s what’s allowed under FAA guidelines:
- Only pro-rata cost sharing is permitted. This means the pilot and other occupants must equally share direct operating expenses such as fuel, oil, airport fees, and rental charges.
- Pilots may not receive compensation or offer services for hire unless properly certified under commercial regulations.
- All pilots participating must have an equal purpose in the flight (the “common purpose” rule).
- You must avoid advertising flights or acting as a commercial operator unless operating under Part 135 or other commercial provisions.
In a shared time-building program, it’s critical that costs are shared legally and transparently, and that no one profits from the arrangement unless authorized.
Core Principles of Shared Time-Building Programs
Shared time-building programs focus on teamwork and fairness. You will work closely with other pilots to log flight hours while making sure each person gets equal chances to fly. These key ideas help create a productive and supportive learning environment.
Collaboration and Group Dynamics
In shared time-building, working well with others is crucial. You will be paired with fellow pilots to share aircraft and flight time. This means clear communication and respect for each other’s schedules and goals. You learn not just from flying but also from observing others.
Group debriefings and joint planning sessions help everyone improve skills faster. Being flexible is important. Sometimes, you may adjust flight plans or waiting times to accommodate the group, but this teamwork speeds up your time-building.
Equitable Participation
Every pilot in a shared program must get fair access to flying hours. You should not feel left out or rushed during your time in the cockpit.
Programs design clear rules to balance flight time among all participants. This includes tracking logged hours and rotating flight duties so every student gets hands-on experience.
If conflicts come up, instructors help resolve them quickly and fairly. This ensures you get enough actual time flying, which meets FAA requirements and prepares you to be safe and confident in the air.
Key Benefits of Shared Time-Building Programs
Shared time-building programs offer a smart way to gain the flight hours you need without the full cost and commitment of solo flying. These programs help you stay engaged in flying while building skills that matter most for your career.
Enhanced Engagement
When you join a shared time-building program, you stay actively involved in flying more frequently. Sharing flight time with others keeps your schedule flexible and reduces downtime between flights. This regular practice helps you maintain sharp piloting skills.
You also get to learn from fellow pilots during shared flights. This creates a learning environment that goes beyond solo flying. By discussing techniques and experiences, you improve faster and stay motivated.
Shared time-building lets you access various aircraft types, which keeps flying interesting and helps you adapt to different machines.
Skill Development
Shared time-building hones your flying skills faster. You get real-world flying experience in single and multi-engine planes. This variety is important because different aircraft demand different handling skills.
Your instructors provide focused training based on your progress, helping you meet FAA standards effectively. The shared approach also allows more flight hours within a shorter timeframe, which means faster growth.
A trusted program offers cross-country routes and scenarios that simulate airline flying. These experiences prepare you to be proficient and safe in diverse conditions. By building time with others, you gain the skills needed to advance toward your commercial or airline pilot goals.
Steps to Design a Successful Shared Time-Building Program
Creating a shared time-building program requires careful planning to meet your flying hour needs efficiently. You will need to decide what you want to achieve and clearly outline the rules to keep the program fair and safe for everyone involved.
Setting Clear Objectives
Before you begin, know exactly what your goals are. Are you looking to build 150 hours toward a commercial license or preparing for an airline career? Define a target number of hours and types of flights, like cross-country or night flying, that fit your learning plan.
You should also set realistic timelines. Some shared time-building options offer flexible plans ranging from 50 hours to 1,500 hours, allowing you to choose what fits your schedule and career goals.
Tracking progress is important. Use logs or apps to record your flight hours and skills gained. This keeps you motivated and ready for the next step in your training.
Establishing Guidelines
Clear rules help everyone share aircraft safely and efficiently. Start by deciding how time is split — equal hours, scheduled days, or based on needs. Write these rules down and share them with all participants for transparency.
Safety is key. Make sure all pilots involved are current and meet FAA requirements. Define required pre-flight checks and who handles maintenance or scheduling conflicts.
Also, agree on costs upfront. Shared programs usually split expenses like fuel and rental fees. Having a simple payment plan avoids misunderstandings and keeps your program running smoothly.
Implementing the Program in Organizations
To successfully start a shared time-building program, you need strong support from leadership and thorough preparation for participants. Both help create a smooth experience and keep everyone focused on reaching their goals.
Gaining Leadership Support
You need leadership backing before starting the program. Show leaders how shared time-building improves training efficiency and lowers costs. Present clear benefits like faster pilot readiness and better resource use.
Use data and real examples to show success rates and student progress. Leaders respond well when you show how the program aligns with the company’s mission and financial goals. Regular updates and clear communication keep them engaged.
You can also create a small pilot group to prove the program’s value. When leadership sees real results, gaining full support is easier.
Participant Onboarding
Your participants need a clear path to start shared time-building. Begin with an orientation that explains program goals, schedules, and expectations. Use easy-to-understand materials and hold Q&A sessions.
Provide checklists or guides that cover flight hours, aircraft access, and safety rules. Make sure everyone knows how to track their time and log flights correctly.
A reliable approach includes flexible scheduling to fit different needs. Offering mentors or support staff helps new students adjust. Setting up these supports early makes participants confident and ready to learn safely.
Best Practices for Facilitation and Management
Managing a shared time-building program well means keeping track of progress and making sure everyone can share their thoughts. These steps help create a smooth experience with clear goals and open communication.
Monitoring Progress
Set clear milestones, like total flight hours or check ride dates, to track your progress. Use tools such as flight logs or digital trackers to record hours and skills achieved. This helps you see where you stand and what you need next.
Check in regularly with instructors. They review your flight data, give advice, and adjust your training plan. This keeps you on target for earning hours efficiently. Staying organized prevents delays. Keep all documents up to date and submit your hours promptly.
Encouraging Feedback
Open communication improves your training experience. Share feedback with instructors and peers to solve problems early. Encourage honest talks about what’s working and what isn’t. Whether it’s scheduling, aircraft availability, or ground school, your input makes the program better.
A supportive environment allows students to offer suggestions easily. Regular surveys, informal chats, or group meetings are good ways to gather ideas. Using feedback turns challenges into solutions and strengthens your path to becoming a proficient pilot.
Common Challenges and Solutions
When you join a shared time-building program, you may face scheduling conflicts and uneven group dynamics. Managing your time well and balancing group participation are key to making steady progress in your hours.
Overcoming Scheduling Conflicts
Scheduling can get tricky when you share aircraft with others. To avoid delays, organize your flight hours well in advance. Use digital calendars or apps to book slots early. This reduces the chance of last-minute changes.
Communicate clearly with your group about availability. Be flexible but firm about your training goals. If a slot gets canceled, have backup times ready.
Flexible scheduling helps you train without long waits. Their 24/7 online booking system lets you reserve planes anytime. Planning ahead lets you make the most of your flight training hours.
Addressing Group Imbalances
Sometimes, groups have uneven experience or skill levels. This may slow progress if not handled well. Share knowledge openly within the group to help everyone improve.
If some pilots need more practice, organize extra sessions or split time between solo and group flying. Instructors offer guidance to balance skills and keep safety top priority.
Set clear rules about aircraft use and respect for others’ flight time. Fair sharing helps everyone meet their goals efficiently while building friendships and confidence.
Case Studies of Successful Shared Time-Building Programs
Many students have fast-tracked their aviation careers through shared time-building. For example, one student needed 200 hours to qualify for their commercial pilot license. By sharing aircraft with others, they reduced costs by 40% and finished their hours in 5 months instead of a year.
Another graduate combined shared time-building with an Airline Pilot Program. They gained multi-engine experience quickly by flying with peers. This gave them real-world skills and confidence in less than six months.
Some students use shared time to prepare for FAA license conversion. They build hours while studying for tests, making progress steady and affordable.
| Student Goal | Hours Built | Timeframe | Cost Savings |
| Commercial Pilot | 200 | 5 months | 40% less |
| Multi-engine Rating | 150 | 6 months | 35% less |
| License Conversion | 100 | 4 months | 30% less |
These examples show how shared time-building offers flexibility. You can share flights, save money, and move faster toward your pilot goals.
Future Trends in Shared Time-Building Programs
Shared time-building programs are growing to meet the needs of pilots who want to gain hours affordably and quickly. More programs now offer flexible scheduling so you can train when it fits your life.
Technology plays a bigger role today. Flight simulators and digital tools are becoming part of shared time programs. You can practice skills safely before flying real hours, saving time and money.
Expect more options for multi-engine time-building in the future. This helps you prepare for commercial flying sooner and meet airline requirements faster.
Adopting these trends helps you fast-track your aviation journey. Their shared time-building offers flexible hours and various aircraft, including multi-engine planes, so you gain real-world flight experience.
Here’s what you might see in shared time-building programs soon:
| Trend | Benefit |
| Flexible scheduling | Train on your own timeline |
| Simulator integration | Practice safely and affordably |
| Multi-engine options | Build advanced skills earlier |
| More remote locations | Access varied weather and routes |
With these changes, your path to becoming airline-ready is smoother and more accessible.
Build Hours, Skills, and Confidence—Together
A shared time-building program gives you a smart, cost-effective way to log flight hours and grow as a pilot. By partnering with others, you can reach key milestones faster, sharpen your skills, and gain real-world flying experience.
Whether you’re training for your commercial license or building hours for ATP eligibility, this collaborative approach makes the journey more efficient—and far more affordable.
Flight Time’s shared time-building program is designed to help you fly more, spend less, and stay on track.
Join a community of pilots building their futures—one shared flight at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers key questions about shared time-building programs, including how to find trusted reviews, affordable options, and top schools nearby. You’ll also learn about buying aircraft for time-building and regional benefits in places like Texas and Colorado.
How can I find reviews for shared time-building programs?
Check pilot forums, aviation Facebook groups, and Google reviews. Visit the websites of flight schools that often share student testimonials.
Are there any cost-effective shared time-building programs for budding pilots?
Yes. Programs that offer shared time-building reduce hourly costs since you split flight time with others. Flight Time provides affordable shared time packages starting at 50 hours.
What flight schools offer the best time-building programs near me?
Search for FAA-certified schools close to your location. Focus on those with diverse fleets and flexible schedules, which offer 24/7 availability for time-building.
Which time-building programs in Texas come highly recommended?
Look for programs in major cities like Dallas and Houston that offer access to single and multi-engine planes. Check local pilot communities and reviews to find trusted options.
Can you purchase an aircraft specifically for time-building purposes?
Yes, some pilots buy or co-own aircraft to build hours affordably. Budget for maintenance, storage, and insurance, as these costs add up quickly.
What are some benefits of enrolling in a time-building program in Colorado?
Colorado offers scenic routes and challenging mountain flying that help you improve your skills. The changing weather lets you gain experience in different conditions, which is valuable for your aviation career.