How to Rent an Airplane

To rent a basic, small airplane to practice flying or just to enjoy, you'll need photo ID, some flying time, and some forms filled out. This is usually to protect the rental company, and to show them that you have the basic knowledge necessary to fly a plane.

Most companies require a check flight with a flight instructor before you take the plane for a spin. This is especially true if you rent a larger plane, a multi-engine plane, or a jet. It's also true if you're going to be flying at night. Remember that you have to pay for the flight instructor along with the airplane when you do the check flight.

You'll need to have a credit card you can leave on file with the rental agency, and they recommend you carry private pilot insurance, as well, since most insurance policies only cover the plane itself, and not the renters.

You'll have to have money for fuel, too. Most planes come fully fueled, but you have to pay to fill them up again when you return from your flight.

There's often an hour minimum or time limit on the hours you can keep the airplane, and most rental agencies have rules and regulations, such as no pets in the plane, etc.

Remember, renting a plane is serious business, so make sure you have some flight training, or go up with a certified flight instructor before you rent an airplane.