Rent an Aircraft from Lincoln Skyways
Airplane Rentals at Lincoln Regional Airport in Northern California
To be eligible for aircraft rental, pilots must complete a checkout with a Lincoln Skyways flight instructor.
Lincoln Skyways offers aircraft rentals for licensed pilots seeking safe, reliable airplanes in Northern California. Based at Lincoln Regional Airport (KLHM), our rental fleet supports pilot currency, time building, proficiency requirements, and recreational flying throughout the Sacramento Valley and surrounding areas.
All rental aircraft are maintained on-site by certified technicians and operated in accordance with applicable FAA regulations. Our aircraft are available for both solo rentals after completion of a checkout ride and/or dual flights with a qualified flight instructor. This page describes aircraft rental options at Lincoln Skyways in Lincoln, California, including availability, usage requirements, and pilot eligibility.
Who Our Aircraft Rentals
Are Designed For
Our aircraft rental program is designed for licensed pilots who want a reliable alternative to aircraft ownership or informal rental arrangements. The program works best for pilots who appreciate standardized procedures, clear expectations, and aircraft that are maintained to consistent standards.
This rental program is a good fit for:
Student pilots working with an instructor
Private, instrument, and commercial pilots
Pilots building flight time in Northern California
Pilots maintaining currency or completing flight reviews
Pilots without aircraft ownership seeking dependable rentals
Visiting pilots flying in the greater Sacramento area
Whether you are flying locally or planning a cross-country flight, Lincoln Skyways provides aircraft rentals that support safe and efficient operations.
Our Fleet
Lincoln Skyways operates a standardized fleet of Cessna 172 aircraft selected for reliability, versatility, and suitability across a wide range of flying missions. The Cessna 172 platform allows pilots to fly confidently across local proficiency flights, instrument practice, and longer cross-country trips. Standardization across the fleet makes it easier for renters to move between aircraft while maintaining familiarity with handling characteristics, performance, and operating procedures.
Seven Cessna 172 aircraft
Both traditional steam-gauge and glass cockpit avionics configurations
Aircraft suitable for VFR and IFR operations
All aircraft seat 4
Consistent dispatch and maintenance standards across the fleet
Aircraft details and avionics configurations are reviewed during the checkout process to ensure pilots are scheduled into aircraft that match their experience and goals.
N75714 - 1976 CESSNA 172M
Avionics Package
- Garmin G3X Touch
- Standby Garmin G5
- GMA 345 Audio Panel
- Garmin GNX 375 GPS/XPDR
- Garmin GNC215 Comm/Nav
- Garmin GTR 205 Comm
- ADS-B Out
N756AW - 1976 CESSNA 172N
Avionics Package
- Garmin GNS430W Comm/Nav/GPS
- King KX155 Comm/Nav
- King KT76C XPDR
- Dual VOR
- Classic 6-Pack
- ADS-B Out
N338CA - 1978 CESSNA 172N
Avionics Package
- Garmin GNS430W Comm/Nav/GPS
- MX385 Comm/Nav
- Garmin GTX327 XPDR
- Dual VOR
- Classic 6-Pack
- ADS-B Out
N7994G - 1971 CESSNA 172L
Avionics Package
- Garmin GMA 340 Audio Panel
- Garmin GNS 430W
- MX 12 Nav/Comm Radio
- Garmin GTX 320A XPDR
- Dual VOR
- Classic 6-Pack
- ADS-B Out
N7216G - 1969 CESSNA 172K
Avionics Package
- Dual King KX170 Comm/Nav
- Narco AT150 XPDR
- Dual VOR
- Classic 6-Pack
- ADS-B Out
N80246 - 1975 CESSNA 172M
Avionics Package
- Dual MX300 Comm/Nav
- L3 NGT-9000 XPDR
- Dual VOR
- Classic 6-Pack
- ADS-B Out
N5274H - 1975 CESSNA 172M
Avionics Package
- Garmin Touchscreen GPS
(with dedicated indicator)
- Dual King KX155 Comm/Nav
- King KT76A XPDR
- Dual VOR
- Classic 6-Pack
- ADS-B Out
Availability
Aircraft rentals are available seven days a week, subject to aircraft availability, maintenance requirements, and weather conditions. Scheduling is managed to balance flight training, maintenance, and rental demand so aircraft are available as scheduled.
Rates
Rental rates are structured as wet rates and reflect fuel, routine maintenance, and operational support.
$195/Hr
Safety
All aircraft maintenance is performed on-site by qualified technicians in accordance with FAA Part 43 and Part 91 regulations. Because maintenance is handled in-house, discrepancies are addressed quickly and transparently. Aircraft are not dispatched with unresolved squawks, and renters are encouraged to report any issues without hesitation. This approach improves fleet reliability and reduces last-minute cancellations due to maintenance surprises.
Rental Eligibility and Requirements
Rental eligibility requirements are in place to protect renters, aircraft, and overall fleet availability. These standards are typical of professionally managed aircraft rental programs and help ensure that approved pilots can rent efficiently with minimal administrative friction after their checkout ride.
To rent an aircraft from Lincoln Skyways, pilots must:
Hold a valid pilot certificate appropriate to the aircraft
Provide proof of a current flight review
Present a valid medical certificate or BasicMed documentation, as applicable
Complete a Lincoln Skyways aircraft checkout
Maintain non-owned aircraft renter’s insurance, if applicable
Once approved, pilot documentation is kept on file to streamline future rentals and scheduling.
Aircraft Checkout Process
Aircraft checkouts are required for new renters and for pilots transitioning to different aircraft or avionics configurations. The purpose of the check-out is familiarity and standardization, not gatekeeping. Most check-outs are completed in a single session and are structured to ensure that pilots are comfortable with the aircraft, local airspace, and operational expectations before renting solo. Once complete, pilots will receive an account through which they can book any future rentals. The check-out process typically includes:
Ground review of aircraft systems, limitations, and normal procedures
Review of local airport operations and airspace considerations
Flight evaluation covering normal operations and emergency procedures
Renting with an Instructor
Licensed pilots may rent aircraft with a Lincoln Skyways instructor for dual operations without enrolling in a formal training program. Many pilots choose this option periodically to stay sharp, regain confidence after time away from flying, or meet FAA proficiency requirements.
Instructor-supported rentals allow pilots to receive structured feedback while flying familiar aircraft in a low-pressure environment. Instructor availability and rates vary and are scheduled separately from aircraft rental time.
Advanced maneuver practice
Cross-country planning and execution
Go flying with no previous experience by booking a Discovery Flight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airplane Rentals
What do I need in order to rent an airplane?
To rent an aircraft from Lincoln Skyways, pilots must hold a valid pilot certificate appropriate to the aircraft being rented and provide proof of a current flight review. A valid medical certificate or BasicMed documentation is also required, depending on how you exercise your privileges.
New renters are required to complete an aircraft checkout to confirm familiarity with the aircraft, avionics, and local operating procedures. All required documentation is reviewed during onboarding so future rentals can be scheduled efficiently.
How does the aircraft checkout process work?
Aircraft checkouts are required for new renters and for pilots transitioning to different aircraft or avionics configurations. The purpose of the check-out is to ensure safe, standardized operations rather than to evaluate pilot skill beyond normal proficiency.
Most checkouts are completed in a single session and include a ground review of aircraft systems and limitations, followed by a flight covering normal operations, emergency procedures, and local airspace considerations. Checkouts are conducted by Lincoln Skyways instructors to ensure consistency across the fleet.
Do I need aircraft renter’s insurance?
Non-owned aircraft renter’s insurance is strongly recommended. While Lincoln Skyways carries insurance on its aircraft, that coverage does not typically protect the renter from personal liability or damage responsibility.
Renter’s insurance helps protect pilots in the event of aircraft damage, property damage, or third-party liability. Specific insurance requirements and recommendations are reviewed during the rental onboarding process.
How much does it cost to rent an airplane?
Aircraft rental rates at Lincoln Skyways are charged as wet rates, meaning fuel is included in the hourly cost. Current aircraft rental rates start at $195 per hour, wet.
Instructor time, if applicable, is billed separately. Policies related to minimum daily hours, overnight use, and multi-day rentals are discussed during scheduling to ensure clear expectations before your flight.
Can visiting or out-of-area pilots rent aircraft?
Yes. Visiting pilots are welcome to rent aircraft from Lincoln Skyways. Visiting renters must provide the same documentation as local pilots and may be required to complete a checkout flight before renting solo.
Advance coordination is recommended so documentation review and any required checkout can be completed efficiently, especially for pilots with limited time in the area.
Contact Lincoln Skyways to request aircraft rental availability, review requirements,
and discuss scheduling.
Lincoln Regional Airport in Northern California
1402 FLIGHTLINE DRIVE #A
LINCOLN, CA, 95648 USA