Trike Rental

[le boss]

Hi everyone.

I am just exploring a possible business venture and would like you to comment. Any ideas, whether positive or negative, will be appreciated.

As you know Warmbaths is a holiday destination of choice for many. Ideally situated with the Springbok flats to the East and South and the beautiful Waterberg mountain range North and West. Some of the most beautiful Bushveld and wildlife scenery all within 15 min of the airport.

The idea is to buy one or two additional trikes (Windlass and\or Scouts etc.) and make them available for rental to persons on holiday with a valid pilot licence. Trikes can be rented at an 15min, 30min 45min and hourly rate which will include fuel, flightsuits, helmets and all other necessities needed.

Question. 1. Would you as a recreational pilot make use of a opportunity like this?
2. What would be a decent hourly rate for you to consider?
3. Would you prefer flying a pre-arranged (planned) route?
4. What would you expect from me in addition to the trike and other necessities?
5. Would you mostly fly solo or with a pax?
6. Any additional suggestions that I might consider?

[Grumpy]

Great idea, but surely too many hassels will make it not viable.

[nicow]

Die meeste pilots het Windlass of Aquilla ratings.Ek sal graag 'n trike huur wanneer ek op vakansie is.

[Air Hog]

What is the legal obligations? Will have to be registered in school? AP'ed every 25 hours like school trikes?

[Bundy]

What is the legal obligations? Will have to be registered in school? AP'ed every 25 hours like school trikes?

I'm not sure on this....are there any Regs re Hire and fly for an NTCA? I havent read any that I can remember... This is not training so I dont see why it has to be registered in a school?
I cannot fly a passenger for reward but what stops me renting my trike to another pilot? Anybody in the know?

Interesting idea Le Boss but I think that your risk will be too high. You will need serious (Costly) insurance cover on both your trikes as well as yourself. What if someone hurts themselves and then decides it was your fault and then sues the owner?
Not sure if the cost (and hassle as Grumpy says), of operating such a venture will be worth the return?

I read with interest though.

[le boss]

Thanks for the response thus far.

Everyone I mentioned this to thinks it is a great idea. I actually thought that something like this must already exist somewhere or at least has been done previously. If you know of someone somewhere please forward the contact details.

Grumpy mentioned the hassels that will not make it viable. Do you imply legal hassels, administrative hassels or maintenance hassels?
Obviously I need to consider the financial implication (Insurance, maintenance, etc) That is why I need answers on especially a decent hourly rate and pilot expectations. Most importantly though whether you will consider making use of this service if all expectations are met.

The following information has been gathered so far.
1. Lawfully there is nothing preventing anyone from renting his trike or trikes out to another pilot for a recreational flight. Renting it commercially could be another ball game. (Still seeking information)
2. Pilots need to sign an indemnity document stating among other that he\she has met with the minimum requirements eg. Pilot Rating, Valid medical certificate, and minimum flight hours on similar aircraft etc.
3. A separate indemnity document will be applicable to any crewmember (pax)
4. Needless to say that the aircraft must have a valid ATF and all other legal documentation confirming the airworthiness etc. of the aircraft.

I still need to answer the following.
1. Will you as a trike pilot make use of a opportunity like this when you are on holiday? (Thanks Nico for your response in this regard.)
2. What will be a decent hourly rate for you to consider?
3. Would you prefer flying a pre-arranged (planned) route?
4. What would you expect from me in addition to the trike and other necessities?
5. Somebody mentioned to me that I might need to get CAA approval and registration because of the commercial side. (Being paid for aviation related service) Can somebody advise me that?

[Tumbleweed]

I think the old La Mercy Flying school used to hire out trikes, but being an instructor/ AP, using the school's legal parameters might smooth the legal side.

Personally, I would be hesitant to hire a trike, particularly for a quick pleasure flip. The pre-flight and admin could take longer than the flip.

The same goes if I were to hire out a trike. I would insist on a competency check ride first and doubt whether you could get affordable insurance. There's also the thing of not everyone spends their holiday at your destination.

Now long term hiring, coupled to a planned all inclusive 'safari' enticing international holiday maker / pilots to join a week or weekend fly away to pre-planned destinations, accomodation, fuel points following the gaggle 'guide' reponsible for flight planning/ radio work e.t.c. could certainly work.

It would require more then an impulse/ sideline / quick buck venture though.