The cost sharing legislation cited here doesn't define "operator", but the term matters in several conditions:
- NCO.GEN.102(d): "The flight must be operated by a private individual."
- NCO.GEN.102(h): passenger records must be "retained by the operator of the flight for a period of 6 months from the date of the flight" and "produced by the operator of the flight when requested by" an Authorised Person.
- ANO 2016 art. 13(3)(a): an advert must be "placed by the pilot or operator of the flight". NCO.GEN.102(i) is narrower: "placed by the pilot intending to operate the flight".
CAP 1590 (guidance), footnote 1 says the private individual refers to "pilots, who may also be the operator". CAP 1590 para 17 says the declaration form is "retained by the pilot/operator for 6 months".
Usually the pilot will be the operator of a cost-shared flight. Where an aircraft belongs to a group or is rented from a club, it isn't spelled out who the operator is for this purpose. The cautious approach is to treat yourself, as pilot, as the operator: keep the records yourself and be able to produce them.
It also matters for liability: ANO art. 265(1) deems both the operator and the pilot in command to have contravened a provision broken in relation to an aircraft.
Source: NCO.GEN.102(d) and (h); CAP 1590 (guidance), footnote 1
Read more in our guides
- What passengers must sign, and how long to keep records Every cost-sharing passenger needs a signed safety declaration before the flight, kept for 6 months. What it must contain, who is exempt and what to keep.
- Cost sharing in a group-owned aircraft How UK cost sharing works in a jointly owned aircraft: the group hourly rate as a direct cost, the market-rate cap, annual costs you keep, and what to record.
Related terms
Back to the glossary. Definitions summarise the legislation and CAA guidance and are not legal advice.