What is tach time?
 

Tach time is measured by the aircraft’s tachometer, which records engine operating time based on RPM. The engine accumulates time faster at higher power settings (such as during flight) and slower at low RPM (such as during taxi or ground delays).

Why do you use tach time instead of Hobbs (clock) time?
 

Tach time more closely reflects actual engine wear. Using tach time helps avoid overcharging customers for time spent idling, waiting to taxi, or dealing with ground delays that don’t significantly affect engine life.

What does the 1.3× multiplier mean?
We apply a 1.3× multiplier to tach time to better match real-world flight usage. Since tach time accumulates more slowly than clock time during typical operations, the multiplier ensures pricing remains fair and consistent for both short and long flights.

How will this affect my rental cost?

Most renters will see billing that closely matches typical Hobbs-time expectations, while benefiting from reduced charges during extended low-RPM ground time.
Example:
If your flight records 1.0 hour of tach time, your billed time will be 1.3 hours at the published hourly rate.

Will I be charged for long taxi or ground delays?

Low-RPM ground operations accumulate tach time very slowly, so extended taxi or waiting time will have minimal impact on your bill compared to Hobbs-based billing.

Is this billing method common?

Yes. Tach-based billing with a multiplier is widely used by flight schools and aircraft rental operators as a fair and transparent way to align costs with aircraft operation and maintenance.

Can I see my tach time after the flight?

Yes. Tach time is displayed on the aircraft instrument panel and can be verified before and after each flight.