Pilot Help

So what is Volant Air exactly?

Volant Air is a platform that connects pilots that have empty seats in their aircraft and want to share their flight expenses and passion for flying with passengers wanting to do the same flight.

Where can I go?

You can go anywhere you want!

How can I join the Volant Air community?

It's quick and easy. You can sign up for free online and join the community of passengers and pilots today.

How can I find a passenger willing to make the same flight as me?

After creating a pilot account, the pilot's credentials are verified by the Volant Air support team. Upon approval, he or she is free to publish flight-sharing posts. These posts will be seen by passengers and other pilots. The Volant Air search engine allows passengers to search by departure and arrival location, and time of flight. Moreover, you will be part of the pilot map, passengers can contact you by their Volant Air mailbox. Finally, passengers can post flight requests. So, you can also contact them if you are interested. 

Do I have to accept a booking request from a passenger?

The pilot is the captain on board and is free to accept or decline a booking request from a passenger.

Is Volant Air competing with conventional airlines?

No, flight sharing is not a form of public transportation.

How do passengers book an available seat on a flight?

Flights can be booked directly on a flight-sharing post. Should the passenger wish to address a question the pilot, before proceeding with the booking process, he or she can do so via the "question / comment for the pilot" section. Pilots can accept or decline a booking.
 
Does a private pilot have the right to take passenger and share expenses?

Yes, Since January 2014 an EU Regulation has been harmonized at the European level by the EASA Regulation 379/2014: "By way of derogation from Article 5 and 6, the following operations with other-than-complex motor-powered aircraft may be conducted in accordance with Annex VII: Cost-shared flights by private individuals, on the condition that the direct cost is shared by all the occupants of the aircraft, pilot included and the number of persons sharing the direct costs is limited to six”.

Moreover, EASA published a safety charter, available here. This charter defines a code of conduct for pilot and for passengers. 

The code of conduct for pilot is available here. The code of conduct for passengers is available here. 

How do I calculate cost-sharing price per seat?

The cost per seat is calculated as follows: total flight costs (*) divided by the number of seats on the aircraft (pilot included).

This cost per passenger must be independent of the actual number of seats booked.

In order to make flight sharing simpler for passengers, we opted for a price-per-seat structure for pilots. This is also the method that will increase a pilot's chances of finding passengers. After all, you wouldn't ask passengers to pay for more seats than they need on a train, and this applies to aviation too.

For example: If a pilot's flight costs are estimated at $200, and he/she can take a maximum of 3 passengers, he/she must specify a maximum amount of $50 (or less of course if the pilot wishes). If during the flight the pilot only has one passenger, he cannot ask for more than $50, and as the pilot will pay the rest.

Another important point to consider is that the price indicated on the flight sharing post is based on an estimate of the flight costs. At the end of the flight, if the actual costs differ from the estimation, the pilot needs to adjust the share of the passenger. However, the amount charged to the passenger cannot be higher than the estimated cost first published in the flight sharing post so that the passenger has no surprises.

(*) by  total flight costs we mean:

If the pilot rents an aircraft: rental costs of the aircraft, fuel and landing fees for the flight.

If the pilot owns an aircraft: fuel and landing fees for the flight.

Can the pilot claim a greater amount than the price published on the flight sharing post?

No, it is the pilot’s responsibility to properly estimate travel expenses. The price published on the flight sharing post is, therefore, the maximum price for the journey, even if costs end up being greater than the pilot expected. Should the costs for the journey be lower than the price published on the post, the pilot will ask for less since EU regulations require equitable sharing between pilot and passengers.

Can the pilot cancel a flight?

Yes, the pilot is the captain on board and he or she, therefore, has the right to cancel or delay a flight due to weather conditions or other reasons. The pilot will keep passengers informed on the weather situation on the day of departure. In the case of cancellation of a flight, passengers will not be charged.
 
Can passengers cancel their flight?

Yes, passengers can be cancel flights at any time. It is expected that passengers inform their pilot as soon as possible about any change of plans.

Can the pilot prevent a passenger from boarding?

Yes, the pilot is the captain on board and therefore has the right to stop a passenger from boarding if he/she determines the passenger to be a threat to the safety of the flight or is not following instructions.

How can I be sure that the passenger is a good passenger?

A rating system allows each pilot to review each passenger so other pilots can identify problematic passengers.

Are my passengers insured when flying with me?

Yes, every aircraft has a liability insurance for passengers.

How can I leave the arrival airfield after the flight?

Today, there are more options available than ever before. Passengers can rent a car using services such as drivy.com or ouicar.com. Other possibilities include taxis or uber.com. Sometimes pilots are able to catch a ride with a passenger.

What should I do in the event of an incident?

In the event of an incident you must follow the European aeronautical rules (EASA) but also write an incident report (See the following link: http://www.aviationreporting.eu)