Part 61Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors

14 CFR 61.113 — Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations

Private pilots may not fly for compensation or hire, with limited exceptions including sharing expenses with passengers and certain charitable operations.

Regulation Text

No person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft. A private pilot may share the operating expenses of a flight with passengers, provided the expenses involve fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees. The pilot must pay at least their pro rata share.

Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.

Plain-English Explanation

As a private pilot, you cannot fly for money — period. The big exception is expense sharing: you can split the cost of fuel, oil, airport fees, and aircraft rental equally with your passengers, but you must pay your fair share too. Other narrow exceptions exist for charitable flights, search and rescue, and certain business flying where the flight is only incidental to the business. This is one of the most tested regulations on the private pilot exam.

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