Frequently Asked Questions

Skylo is a comprehensive aircraft rental platform that connects pilots with aircraft owners through secure, prepaid bookings. Pilots complete identity verification, FAA license validation, and logbook currency checks, then deposit funds for instant bookings. We support both dry and wet rental options, automatic fuel receipt processing with reimbursement, HOBBS verification with automated image processing, comprehensive insurance, and seamless payouts to ensure safe, transparent aircraft rentals.

Pilots sign up, complete verification (identity, FAA license, currency), deposit funds into their Skylo balance, then search and book aircraft by location, type, and availability. Aircraft owners list their planes with detailed specs, choose wet/dry/both rental options, set fuel reimbursement rates (wet rentals), manage availability calendars, and receive automatic payouts. All payments, fuel receipt processing, HOBBS verification, and communication are handled through our secure platform with 24/7 support.

Skylo operates globally wherever aircraft owners and pilots connect. Search by airport codes (ICAO/IATA), city names, or geographic radius to find available aircraft. Our platform supports international listings with advanced filters for aircraft type, rental structure (dry/wet/both), fuel reimbursement policies, availability windows, and specific pilot requirements.

Skylo offers a unique prepaid balance system for instant bookings, comprehensive fuel management (receipt processing, automatic reimbursement), support for both dry and wet rentals with flexible pricing, automated HOBBS verification, automatic currency tracking, real-time messaging, detailed search filters, Stripe Connect for seamless payouts, and comprehensive insurance included in every booking with transparent pricing.

Pilots pay a platform fee plus insurance fee on top of the aircraft hourly rate. For wet rentals, pilots also pay for fuel but get reimbursed at the owner's set rate. Aircraft owners receive 100% of their hourly rate with no deductions. For complete fee details, transparent pricing breakdowns, and examples, visit our dedicated pricing page.

Dry rentals: Pilot pays only the aircraft hourly rate. No fuel costs involved through the platform. Wet rentals: Pilot pays the aircraft hourly rate AND purchases fuel during the flight, then gets reimbursed through the platform at the aircraft owner's preset fuel price per gallon. This provides predictable fuel costs for pilots while letting owners set their preferred reimbursement rates.

In wet rentals, you purchase fuel normally at any FBO or self-serve pump during your flight. After landing, submit your fuel receipt through the app by photographing it clearly. Our system automatically extracts the gallons purchased and calculates your reimbursement based on the aircraft owner's preset fuel price per gallon. You receive: Reimbursement = Owner's fuel rate × Verified gallons purchased.

After fueling during a wet rental: 1) Photograph your fuel receipt ensuring all details are visible (date, FBO/location, gallons, total cost), 2) Upload through the "Submit Fuel Receipt" section in your booking, 3) Our software automatically extracts gallons purchased, 4) Reimbursement is calculated at the owner's preset fuel rate, 5) If the system can't read the receipt clearly, our team manually reviews it within a few hours.

Required information: Date and time of fueling, FBO name and location, gallons purchased, total fuel cost, and payment method. Helpful additions: aircraft tail number, fuel type (100LL, Jet A), and price per gallon if shown. Keep receipts clear and legible. Digital receipts via email are also accepted if they contain all required information. Only gallons matter for reimbursement calculation.

Aircraft owners set a fixed fuel price per gallon for their aircraft when creating wet rental listings. This rate determines your reimbursement regardless of what you actually paid at the pump. For example, if the owner sets $6.50/gallon and you purchase 25 gallons, you'll be reimbursed $162.50 no matter what the actual pump price was. This provides predictable fuel costs for pilots.

This depends on what the aircraft owner offers. Some owners offer only dry rentals, some only wet rentals, and some offer both options with separate hourly rates. When an aircraft offers both options, you'll see separate pricing and can choose your preferred rental type during booking. Aircraft with "both" options will clearly show wet and dry rates.

For wet rentals, fuel receipts must be submitted within 24 hours of flight completion to receive reimbursement. If you forget, contact our support team immediately with your receipt. Late submissions may require manual processing and additional verification. Missing fuel receipts mean you won't receive reimbursement for fuel costs on that flight.

Our automated system extracts fuel receipt data including date, location, gallons, and costs from your photo. We cross-reference fuel prices with market data and flag unusual amounts for manual review. If user-submitted gallons match extracted gallons within 5% tolerance, reimbursement is processed automatically. Receipts with poor image quality or missing information are manually reviewed by our team.

Dry rentals: Simpler management, no fuel handling, pilots handle all fuel costs independently. Good for owners who prefer hands-off approach. Wet rentals: You set a fuel reimbursement rate per gallon, pilots get predictable fuel costs, you handle fuel receipt processing through the platform. Good for attracting pilots who want budget certainty. You can also offer both options with different hourly rates.

When creating wet rental listings, set your fuel price per gallon in the aircraft settings. This rate determines how much pilots get reimbursed regardless of actual pump prices. Consider your local fuel costs and desired margin. For example, if local 100LL averages $6.00/gallon, you might set $6.50/gallon to cover price fluctuations. This rate applies to all wet rental bookings for that aircraft.

Skylo handles all fuel receipt processing automatically for your wet rentals. Pilots submit receipts through the app, our software validates the data, and pilots are reimbursed at your preset fuel rate per gallon. You receive detailed fuel reports for each flight including location, quantity, and reimbursement amounts. No manual processing required - you just set your rate and receive automatic reporting.

No, pilots purchase fuel directly using their own payment methods during wet rentals. You set a reimbursement rate per gallon, and pilots get reimbursed from their Skylo balance at your rate. You don't provide fuel cards, pre-pay for fuel, or handle fuel purchasing. Your only involvement is setting the reimbursement rate when creating your wet rental listing.

Required documents: 1) Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), 2) Current FAA pilot certificate with medical certificate, 3) Recent logbook pages showing total time, recent experience, and currency (VFR, IFR, night as applicable), and 4) Current flight review (BFR) documentation. All documents must be clearly legible, current, and valid.

Our comprehensive verification includes: 1) Identity verification through government ID matching, 2) FAA certificate validation against FAA databases, 3) Medical certificate currency verification, 4) Logbook review for total time and recent experience, 5) Currency verification (VFR, IFR, night), and 6) Flight review (BFR) validation. Advanced software verification and manual review ensure accuracy and safety compliance.

Initial verification typically takes 1-3 business days depending on document clarity and completeness. Complex cases or additional verification needs may take up to 5 business days. You'll receive real-time updates via push notifications and email as each verification step is completed. Emergency verification (for time-sensitive flights) may be available with expedited review.

We accept all valid FAA certificates: Student Pilot (with CFI endorsements), Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and Airline Transport Pilot licenses. Additional ratings verified include: Instrument Rating (IR), Multi-Engine Land/Sea, Complex aircraft endorsements, High-Performance endorsements, and Tailwheel endorsements. International licenses may be accepted with appropriate validations.

We automatically track currency from your logbook uploads: 90-day passenger currency (day/night), IFR approach currency, flight review (BFR) dates, and medical certificate expiration. Our system sends automated reminders 30 days before currency expires and requires updated documentation before allowing new bookings. Currency tracking helps ensure regulatory compliance.

Deposit funds into your secure Skylo account using credit/debit cards (minimum $100). When booking, we block estimated costs including aircraft rate, platform fees, insurance, and security threshold. After flight completion and HOBBS verification, actual costs are charged and excess funds remain in your balance for future bookings or withdrawal. For detailed fee breakdowns and examples, see our fees page.

Navigate to "Balance" in your profile, select "Add Funds," enter amount (minimum $100), and complete secure payment via Stripe. Accepts all major credit/debit cards with no deposit fees. Funds are available immediately. You can set up automatic balance top-ups when balance falls below a specified threshold for seamless booking experiences.

Bookings require sufficient balance to cover estimated aircraft cost + platform fees + insurance + security threshold. If insufficient, the booking will show required amount with direct link to add funds. Bookings cannot be confirmed without adequate balance to prevent payment failures.

Flight costs = Aircraft hourly rate × actual HOBBS time + platform fee + insurance. For wet rentals, add fuel reimbursement at owner's preset rate. All costs are shown transparently before booking confirmation. For detailed fee structures, calculation examples, and current rates, visit our comprehensive fees page.

If actual HOBBS time results in costs exceeding estimates, additional charges are deducted from your available balance. If insufficient balance exists, you'll have an outstanding balance that must be paid before making future bookings. You receive immediate notifications of additional charges with detailed cost breakdowns and payment options.

If actual costs are less than blocked amounts, differences are automatically refunded to your Skylo balance immediately after HOBBS verification. Booking cancellations receive refunds based on aircraft owner cancellation policies and timing. Weather cancellations typically receive full refunds. Balance withdrawals to your bank account are available upon request.

Use advanced search filters: location (airport codes, city, radius), dates/times, aircraft category (ASEL, AMEL, complex, high-performance), rental type (dry/wet/both), seating capacity, avionics (glass cockpit, GPS), and special requirements. Real-time availability shows instantly. Save search preferences for quick access to your preferred aircraft types and locations.

Comprehensive details include: aircraft specifications (make, model, year, registration), performance data (cruise speed, range, fuel burn), rental type (dry/wet/both with separate rates), fuel reimbursement rate (wet rentals), high-resolution photos, avionics list, maintenance status, owner requirements, booking policies, home airport, and real-time availability calendar with instant booking capability.

Real-time availability calendars show open time slots in green for immediate booking. Aircraft owners manage availability including personal use, maintenance, and other commitments. Availability extends from same-day to several months ahead depending on owner preferences. Advanced booking windows and minimum notice requirements are clearly displayed.

Yes, make multiple independent bookings subject to balance requirements. Each booking has separate HOBBS verification, fuel processing (wet rentals), and payment processing. Manage all bookings from your dashboard with real-time status updates. Recurring flight patterns can be discussed directly with aircraft owners through our messaging system.

The security threshold is a refundable deposit (typically $200-500 set by aircraft owners) held in addition to estimated flight costs. Provides buffer for cost overruns, minor damages, extended flight times, or additional fuel costs. Fully refunded after successful flight completion and final billing. Required amount shown clearly before booking confirmation.

After landing: 1) Record final HOBBS reading, 2) Submit start/end HOBBS values in your booking, 3) Upload clear photos of HOBBS meter (start and end separately), 4) Submit fuel receipts for reimbursement (wet rentals), 5) Complete post-flight inspection notes. Our software verifies HOBBS readings against photos and processes fuel reimbursements. Final billing processes within hours of submission.

HOBBS verification ensures accurate billing based on actual aircraft operating time using automated image recognition. Submit clear photos of HOBBS meter showing start/end readings taken separately. Our system validates readings against photos to prevent disputes. Accurate HOBBS tracking ensures fair billing for pilots and proper compensation for aircraft owners while maintaining detailed flight records.

Discrepancies trigger manual review by our team within 2-4 hours. Common issues include unclear photos, meter rollover, or entry errors. We'll contact you for clarification or additional photos. Our goal is fair resolution with full transparency. Disputes are resolved based on available evidence including photos, flight plans, and communication records.

Final charging occurs after HOBBS verification and fuel receipt processing (wet rentals) are complete, typically within 2-8 hours of submission. You receive detailed billing breakdown via push notification and email. Charges include actual HOBBS time, platform fees, insurance, and fuel reimbursements (wet rentals). Security threshold is released simultaneously.

Cancel through your "Bookings" section subject to aircraft owner cancellation policies. Policies vary by owner and timing (24-72 hour notice typically required). Weather-related cancellations often receive full refunds. Platform fees may be non-refundable depending on timing. Cancellation confirmations include refund details and processing timelines.

Contact aircraft owners through our secure messaging system to request rescheduling. Many owners accommodate changes, especially for weather or maintenance. Rescheduling policies are shown in each listing. Our support team can assist with rescheduling requests and help find alternative aircraft if original owner cannot accommodate changes.

Yes, secure in-app messaging connects pilots and owners for each booking. Discuss flight plans, aircraft specifics, meet-up logistics, fuel requirements (wet rental rates), special procedures, or address concerns. All messages are logged for safety and support purposes. Real-time notifications ensure timely communication with 24/7 message delivery.

Status progression: Pending (awaiting owner confirmation), Confirmed (approved and ready), Pre-Flight (approaching flight time), In Progress (flight active), Pending Completion (awaiting HOBBS/fuel receipts), Under Review (verification in progress), Completed (finished and billed), or Cancelled. Real-time status updates with detailed explanations and next-step guidance.

Sign up and select "Aircraft Owner" during onboarding. Complete identity verification (KYC) with government ID, establish Stripe Connect for automatic payouts, provide aircraft documentation (registration, insurance, maintenance), and create your listing with photos, specifications, rental type, and pricing. Our team reviews all listings before approval and activation.

Required verification: 1) Identity (KYC) with government-issued ID front/back, 2) Stripe Connect account setup for payouts, 3) Aircraft registration certificate, 4) Current insurance certificates (liability and hull), 5) Maintenance records (annual inspection, recent logs), and 6) Airworthiness certificate. All documents must be current and clearly legible.

Identity verification: 1-2 business days. Stripe Connect: instant setup, 2-7 days for full payout verification. Aircraft documentation review: 2-5 business days depending on completeness. Expedited review available for time-sensitive situations. You'll receive detailed progress updates and can track verification status in real-time.

Stripe Connect enables secure, automatic payout processing for completed flights. Handles tax documentation, compliance, banking verification, and international transfers. Required for receiving booking payments. Setup includes business verification, bank account linking, and tax form completion. Provides detailed earning reports and automated 1099 processing.

Essential documents: 1) Aircraft registration certificate, 2) Current airworthiness certificate, 3) Insurance certificates (liability and hull coverage), 4) Annual inspection records, 5) Recent maintenance logs, 6) Weight and balance sheets, and 7) Equipment list. Additional: avionics manuals, operating handbook, and special equipment documentation.

Navigate to "My Aircraft" and select "Add Aircraft." Provide detailed specifications (make, model, year, registration), performance data, choose rental type (dry/wet/both), set hourly rates and fuel reimbursement rate (wet), upload high-quality photos, specify pilot requirements, define cancellation policies, and set availability preferences. Save as draft for review before publishing live.

Research local market rates for similar aircraft and rental types. Set separate rates for dry and wet rentals if offering both. For wet rentals, also set your fuel reimbursement rate per gallon based on local fuel costs plus desired margin. Consider operating costs, desired profit, insurance, maintenance reserves, and local competition. Rates can be updated anytime for new bookings.

Currently one hourly rate per rental type (dry/wet) applies to all bookings, but you maintain full discretion over accepting/declining requests. You can adjust rates anytime with immediate effect on new bookings. Advanced pricing features (weekend rates, seasonal pricing, pilot-specific rates) are planned for future platform updates.

Upload up to 20 high-resolution photos: exterior (multiple angles), interior (panel, seats, baggage), engine compartment, and special equipment. Quality photos significantly increase booking conversion rates. Images can be reordered, replaced, or updated anytime with immediate listing updates. Professional photography services available upon request.

Yes, edit most listing elements including descriptions, specifications, photos, pilot requirements, rental types, and policies. Major changes (aircraft type, registration) require re-verification. Rate changes apply immediately to new bookings. Listing remains active during updates with changes taking effect upon approval by our review team.

Use the integrated availability calendar to set rental windows: daily time slots, recurring patterns (weekdays 8-6), seasonal availability, or specific date ranges. Block personal use, maintenance, or travel periods. Availability syncs in real-time with booking system. Advanced scheduling tools include minimum booking notice and maximum advance booking windows.

Yes, easily block any periods for personal flying, scheduled maintenance, annual inspections, or other commitments. Create recurring blocks (every Sunday) or specific date ranges. Emergency maintenance blocks can be added instantly. Blocked times automatically prevent new bookings while protecting existing confirmed reservations.

You control advance booking windows from same-day to 6+ months ahead. Typical settings: 2-4 weeks advance booking with 24-48 hour minimum notice. Longer advance windows increase booking volume but reduce flexibility. Last-minute availability can be enabled for immediate booking opportunities with instant notification.

No, you maintain full discretion over booking acceptance. Review pilot qualifications, experience levels, flight plans, and personal preferences before deciding. However, frequent declines without valid reasons may impact your listing visibility and owner rating in our matching algorithm. Clear pilot requirements help filter appropriate requests.

Contact affected pilots immediately through our messaging system explaining the situation (maintenance, emergency, weather). Pilots typically receive full refunds for owner-initiated cancellations. Frequent cancellations affect your reliability rating and listing visibility. Our support team assists with rebooking on alternative aircraft when possible.

Secure in-app messaging connects you with pilots for each booking. Share aircraft-specific procedures, local airport information, fuel policies and reimbursement rates (wet rentals), equipment locations, operational notes, and coordinate logistics. All communication is logged for safety and reference purposes with real-time notifications and 24/7 message delivery.

Essential information: aircraft-specific procedures, fuel requirements and reimbursement policies (wet rental rates and process), local airport details, equipment locations and operation, any aircraft quirks or special procedures, emergency contact information, and pre-flight inspection notes. Clear communication reduces confusion, ensures safer operations, and improves pilot satisfaction.

Yes, many owners conduct in-person briefings for aircraft familiarization, key exchange, fuel procedures explanation (especially for wet rentals), and safety discussions. Coordinate meeting logistics through our messaging system. First-time renter briefings are highly recommended and can be specified as required in your listing policies.

While Skylo doesn't provide GPS tracking, you can install your own tracking devices (ForeFlight, FlightAware). Monitor through pilot communication, HOBBS verification submissions, and post-flight reports. Many owners use personal tracking solutions while maintaining pilot privacy and operational independence.

Contact pilots immediately via messaging or emergency contact. Our platform tracks overdue returns and assists with communication. Late returns may incur additional hourly charges and potential rebooking fees for affected reservations. Our 24/7 support team helps resolve issues and coordinate recovery if needed.

Automatic payouts process after flight completion and HOBBS verification through your Stripe Connect account. Typical arrival: 2-7 business days depending on your payout schedule (daily, weekly, monthly). No manual invoicing or payment collection required. Real-time earning tracking with detailed transaction history.

You receive 100% of your hourly rate × actual HOBBS flight time with zero platform deductions. Pilots pay all platform fees (5-8%), insurance ($45-75), and fuel costs (which they get reimbursed for in wet rentals) separately. Your net earnings equal your hourly rate times actual flight hours with complete transparency and detailed payout breakdowns.

Yes, modify payout frequency through your Stripe Connect dashboard: daily (fastest access), weekly (balanced), or monthly (consolidated). Daily payouts maximize cash flow while monthly reduces transaction volumes. Schedule changes take effect immediately for future earnings with instant confirmation notifications.

Zero fees to aircraft owners - you keep 100% of your hourly rate. All platform fees are paid by pilots separately. This includes payment processing, comprehensive insurance, platform maintenance, 24/7 customer support, verification services, and fuel receipt processing with reimbursements (wet rentals). For complete details about our zero-fee owner model, visit our fees page.

Comprehensive owner dashboard includes: total revenue tracking, booking frequency analysis, average flight duration, popular time slots, seasonal trends, pilot demographics, and performance metrics. Export detailed reports for tax purposes, view real-time earnings, and access historical data with advanced filtering and analytics.

Yes, automated tax documentation including annual 1099-K forms via Stripe Connect. Access detailed transaction records year-round with downloadable reports for tax preparation. Consult tax professionals regarding aircraft rental income, allowable deductions, depreciation schedules, and business expense categorization.

Comprehensive coverage for every flight: $1M+ liability per occurrence, hull coverage matching aircraft values, passenger coverage, and ground damage protection. Coverage applies as secondary to aircraft owner primary insurance with no coverage gaps. Included in pilot platform fees with no additional cost to owners. Detailed coverage certificates provided.

Yes, maintain current primary insurance including liability and hull coverage with renters coverage. Skylo's comprehensive insurance provides secondary coverage working seamlessly with your primary policy. We verify insurance documentation during listing approval and require policy updates when renewed to ensure continuous coverage.

Rigorous multi-step verification: government ID validation, FAA certificate verification against federal databases, medical certificate currency tracking, logbook review for total time and recent experience, currency verification (VFR, IFR, night), flight review validation, and continuous monitoring for certificate renewals and currency maintenance.

Report damage immediately via our support system with detailed photos and descriptions. Our comprehensive insurance handles aircraft damage claims during rentals. We coordinate investigations, work with all parties, and manage claims processing with insurance partners. You're kept informed throughout the entire resolution process.

Yes, establish minimum pilot qualifications: total flight hours, time in make/model, recent experience, specific ratings (IFR, complex, high-performance), and additional requirements. Requirements are prominently displayed and automatically enforced during booking. Only qualified pilots meeting your criteria can request bookings.

Pilots follow standard emergency procedures and contact our 24/7 emergency line immediately. Established protocols include: incident management, emergency response coordination, insurance notification, owner updates, authority reporting, and comprehensive follow-up. Our support team manages emergency response and resolution 24/7.

Multi-layered safety approach: comprehensive pilot verification (FAA certificates, medical currency, logbook review), aircraft documentation verification (maintenance, insurance, airworthiness), automatic currency tracking and expiry monitoring, mandatory pre-flight procedures, 24/7 emergency support, incident protocols, and comprehensive insurance coverage for every flight with continuous safety monitoring.

Every flight includes comprehensive insurance: $1M+ liability coverage, hull coverage matching aircraft values, passenger liability protection, and ground damage coverage. Works as secondary to owner primary insurance with seamless coordination. Coverage includes fuel-related incidents and all operational aspects. Detailed coverage certificates provided for every booking.

Immediately contact our 24/7 emergency line (provided in booking confirmations). Follow standard aviation emergency procedures first, then notify Skylo. Our comprehensive protocols include: emergency response coordination, insurance activation, aircraft owner notification, authority reporting as required, incident documentation, and complete resolution management with ongoing support.

Yes, aircraft owners must provide current maintenance documentation: annual inspections, 100-hour inspections (if applicable), airworthiness certificates, and ongoing maintenance logs. We verify all documentation before listing approval and require updates when maintenance is performed. Owners must block availability during maintenance periods.

Safety first - never fly aircraft with known mechanical issues. Contact aircraft owner and our support team immediately via app or emergency line. We'll assist with alternative aircraft arrangements or provide full refunds with no penalties. Mechanical issues discovered in-flight follow standard emergency procedures with full support coordination.

Navigate to Settings to update personal information, contact details, notification preferences, payment methods, and pilot qualifications. Significant changes (address, name) may require re-verification for security. Currency updates require new logbook uploads. All changes are logged for security with confirmation notifications.

Multiple support channels: in-app support section, email at support@flyskylo.com, 24/7 emergency phone line, and live chat for urgent issues. Comprehensive support covers booking problems, payment issues, technical difficulties, fuel receipt problems, HOBBS verification, and safety concerns. Emergency issues prioritized with immediate response.

Customizable notifications: push notifications for booking updates, messages, verification status, fuel receipt processing, HOBBS verification, payment confirmations, and emergency alerts. Email notifications for booking confirmations, account security, payment receipts, and system updates. Granular control over each notification type.

Bank-level security with encrypted data storage, secure Stripe payment processing, comprehensive data protection measures, and regular security audits. Verification documents and personal information are securely stored with restricted access. Full compliance with data protection regulations including GDPR and CCPA.

Request account deletion through Settings with 30-day grace period for account restoration. After 30 days, personal data is permanently deleted while some transaction records are retained for legal/tax compliance. Outstanding balances must be resolved before deletion. Export your data before deletion if needed.

Troubleshooting steps: restart app, update to latest version, check internet connection, clear app cache, or reinstall app. For persistent issues, contact technical support with device details, app version, and specific problem description. We provide comprehensive technical support with regular app updates and bug fixes.