Do I have to get checked out every time I rent a plane from a different FBO?

Question

I am an IFR pilot that owns and regularly flies a Mooney M20F. I previously owned a Cessna 150 and have over 150 hours in that type of aircraft. I travel alot for work (commercially-company policy) and would like to rent from the local FBO in my free time. Do I have to get checked out each time I want to rent an aircraft from a flight school? It just seems like over kill to have to get checked out each time in an aircraft that I have over 150 hours flying experience. I know that if purchased a new 150 and I were getting insurance on that airplane that the insurance company would not require a check out.

Answer 1

You will need at least a one time check from each different F.B.O. not a check for every time you rent, provided of course you maintain currency. Each F.B.O. tends to have their own policy for how long you can go between renting without requiring a further flight check. Generally within 3 months for each rental they wont bother you.

It mainly comes down to insurance requirements. G.A. rental is a very tough business in today's economy. Many good flight schools/rental companies have gone out of business.

Answer 2

I have never heard of a FBO that will  Rent to anyone with out a check out first  That being said, I have just made a trip around the patch on more than one occasion to satisfy their "checkout" for the "privilege" of renting their aircraft. Rest assured, this is a Insurance requirement. Doesn't hurt the FBO's bottom line getting an extra .5 to 1.0 hobbs either

Answer 3

Would you have let me fly your Mooney without knowing me at all?

Answer 4

Every time.  They'll take a look at your log book and go from there.  If you have sufficient hours on type, all they'll want you to do is a couple of touch and goes. If everything is cool, you're on your own.

If I owned an aircraft, there is no way I would hand it over to you based on paper evidence.  Think about it.

Answer 5

150 hours may seem like a lot now to you but the truth is you are relatively inexperienced. Most FBO's after reviewing your credentials will require a check flight to assess your ability to fly the aircraft you intend to rent, if you are going to use it for a local vfr flight it should be very simple a few touch and go's some slow flight etc. for IFR cross country use it may be more in depth. Once established you should be able to use the FBO's aircraft when ever as long as you have some currency. The insurance aspect of this is that the FBO has some record of actually having flown with you. You should also check into renters insurance if you plan on doing this often.

Answer 6

As everyone has said, you can expect a check ride. I've done several of these in several places and they've been everything from three take-offs and landings to a 3-hour repeat of my private pilot practical test.

The best ones take advantage of the opportunity to familiarize you with the landmarks so you can find the airport when you come back. This is more important than you might think. They also point out good emergency landing locations if you lose power on take-off, and tell you about any local protocols.

Some of my best learning experiences have been during these check rides. I had one CFI surreptitiously shut off the fuel over Bob Hope's house in Palm Springs. We "practiced" emergency procedures with me thinking we really did lose the engine. I didn't even think to check the fuel switch. I got real good at all the basic flight maneuvers in a 172 just because I was doing it so often. (For a couple years after I got my license I added a day at the beginning of all my business travel to do some local rental/flying.)

So plan ahead. Call the FBO well in advance and find out what they'll require of you. You might have to dedicate a good part of a day to the check ride. If you take your logbook, make sure you keep a copy in a safe place at home.

Answer 7

I am surprised by your question. I`m not trying to be rude, but am puzzled that you would not expect to take a check ride, especially if they don`t know you. You need to prove to them that what is in your log book matches your capabilities, if anything for insurance purposes on their part. I`ve been through that very thing you are talking about, guess I`m just used to it.

Answer 8

Your ticket should say what you are qualified to fly. And if it's on your ticket you don't have to take a check ride.